Patient's question:
A week ago, due to tearing in the left eye, a left lacrimal canal irrigation was performed, which revealed pus. It improved afterward, but later it was found that her eyes had red bags without tearing or discharge. However, during the follow-up visit, the doctor needed to irrigate both eyes, which resulted in clear water without pus.Doctor's answer:
There are many treatment methods, but the results are not ideal. For confirmed lacrimal canal obstruction, it is necessary to determine whether the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct are unobstructed before targeted treatment can be administered. If there is inflammation, the obstruction is likely caused by mucosal swelling. In such cases, topical administration of antibiotic and epinephrine solution drops or irrigation should be used first. If necessary, a probe can be used to dilate the canal, gradually increasing the probe size, which may sometimes be effective. If the obstruction is organic or if scar tissue has already formed, and the affected area is small and close to the lacrimal punctum, lacrimal canalotomy can be performed.