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Blocked tear duct in adults

3 replies

brassick · 17/11/2011 15:40

I have found loads of posts on here about babies with blocked tear ducts, but more or less nothing about adults with this problem.

I have today been to the opthamologist about my constantly watery eye. It's been going on for 4 years now, and I am finally getting really fed up with it. I more or less permanently have a tear rolling down my right cheek, and am constantly mopping my eye. I am always having to explain to people that I'm not crying (eg when interviewing people for jobs - must be very disconcerting for them...).

Anyway, as I had already worked out, the doctor said I have a blocked tear duct. He had to stick a syringe down it and see where the saline went. It should have gone down the back of my throat, but it all came out around my eye.

He has referred me to another doctor as this is "too complicated" for him to deal with. He was very vague about what exactly this other doctor might do "it depends" was basically what he said.

Has anyone had a blocked tear duct unblocked? I am assuming from what Dr Google tells me that it is a surgical procedure, but not clear whether it's in-patient / out-patient / general anaesthetic / local anaesthetic etc, etc.

All info gratefully received.

OP posts:
CMOTdibbler · 17/11/2011 15:44

My mum has had both sides done - initially they tried to open them up with a probe, then a stent, and when that failed, she had them rerouted straight into her nose. It was all outpatient, local anaesthetic, and the worst thing was the eventual op, needed two stitches just where her glasses were

brassick · 18/11/2011 12:24

Thanks for that, sounds reassuring. Must admit, I've had my ears syringed many times, yesterday was the first time I've had my eye syringed!

OP posts:
Mandy2003 · 18/11/2011 21:30

My Dad (he's 84) had his cleared out with a probe a couple of weeks ago. So far it is working OK.

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