Syringing And Probing
INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING SYRINGING & PROBING
Many children have blocked tear ducts for which eye massage is prescribed. When the eye massage does not work within 1 year a cleaning procedure called Probing is performed. In the probing procedure, a thin wire is passed to open the tube. We provide distinctly different technique of probing using cannulated lacrimal probes.
o TIMING OF SURGERY– If there is no relief by massage done until 1 year of age, it is advisable to get the procedure done.
o TISSUE HANDLING – Very delicate soft tissue, therefore requires special handling with specialized techniques.
o SURGERY TIME– Surgery takes approx. 10 minutes per eye. If it is bilateral, it can be performed in the same sitting.
o POSTOPERATIVE CARE– If the surgery is done under general anaesthesia, food restriction is there for 6 hours post surgery. The patient/child can resume all the activities from the next day after the surgery.
o SUCCESS RATE – Ranges from 90 -95%.
o RESURGERY– Some cases may require re-probing. If it fails in first probing, it is repeated again after 2-3 months. If it still fails, silicon intubation or a major surgery i.e, Paediatric dacryocystorhinostomy may be required.
Feel Free to Contact us at +91-8130780790 for Syringing and Probing.
Frequently asked question
Probing of the eye, particularly the nasolacrimal duct, entails inserting a probe into the lacrimal sac and down through the tear duct to address any blockages. This procedure is employed to manage conditions like nasolacrimal duct obstruction, where tears face hindrance in draining due to duct blockages. By delicately guiding a slender metal instrument (probe) through the tear duct and flushing it with sterile water, the ophthalmologist can alleviate the blockage, allowing tears to flow freely from the eyes.
The purpose of syringing, specifically lacrimal syringing, is to assess the patency of the lacrimal drainage system in the eye. This procedure is conducted to determine if the drainage channels are functioning normally and to address any obstructions that may exist. By gently irrigating with sterile saline through the lacrimal ducts, syringing can dislodge debris or clear blockages causing watery eyes. It serves both as a diagnostic tool and a treatment method to ensure proper tear drainage from the eyes through the nasolacrimal duct into the nose.
To perform syringing and probing of the tear ducts:
Preparation:
Wash hands.
Position the patient comfortably with good lighting.
Explain procedure.
Gather supplies: torch, saline, syringe, dilator, cannula, anesthetic eye drops, swabs, gloves, towel.
Method:
Apply anesthetic drops to the lower punctum.
Have the patient look up and out.
Pull down the lower eyelid, and expose the punctum.
Insert the dilator, and rotate gently.
Withdraw the dilator, and insert the cannula.
Inject saline slowly, and communicate sensations.
Repeat for upper punctum if necessary.
Post-Procedure:
Document findings.
This procedure checks for tear duct blockages and resolves watering and stickiness in 95% of cases. Adhere to proper technique and safety for accurate results and patient comfort.
Tear duct probing usually lasts between five to ten minutes per eye. During this procedure, a small, blunt metal wire is passed into the opening of the lacrimal sac and through the tear duct. In some instances, sterile salt water may be injected through the tear duct to confirm its openness. The entire process is relatively swift and typically conducted under general anesthesia in an operating room.
