Nasolacrimal duct irrigation is a vital procedure performed by eye specialists to clear blockages in your tear drainage system. Our expert eye doctors, specializing in effective treatments for tear duct issues, ensure you get the care you need for optimal eye comfort.
Nasolacrimal duct irrigation flushes the tear drainage system to clear blockages. It helps restore normal tear flow from the eye to the nose and can relieve symptoms like dry or watery eyes caused by a blocked duct.
This simple procedure also helps confirm whether a blockage is present. Our eye doctors make sure the process is safe, quick, and low-risk, so you can start feeling better with little to no downtime.
Nasolacrimal duct irrigation clears the small tube that drains tears from your eyes into your nose. A thin probe and a gentle saline flush remove any blockages, helping your tears flow properly again.
This quick procedure does two things at once, it checks for a blockage and treats it. Think of it as rinsing out your tear ducts so they can get back to keeping your eyes comfortable.
Our eye doctors usually recommend nasolacrimal duct irrigation when tear drainage problems don’t improve with basic treatments like antibiotic drops, warm compresses, or tear duct massage. Blocked ducts can cause watery eyes, or sometimes make dry eyes worse.
In babies, if the ducts are still blocked after 8 to 10 months, this procedure often helps open them. For adults with ongoing tearing or dry eye linked to poor drainage, irrigation can restore proper tear flow and ease discomfort.
It’s a simple way to improve comfort and get back to daily life with fewer eye issues, for both kids and adults.
Before starting, our eye doctor checks how serious the blockage is. They examine your tear duct system to see if irrigation is the right option for your symptoms. This step makes sure the procedure is needed and likely to help.
To keep things comfortable, a numbing eye drop is used. For most adults, this is enough to make the procedure easy to handle. Young children usually receive general anesthesia from a pediatric specialist.
If the small opening in your eyelid (the punctum) is too narrow, it’s gently widened using a soft probe or rounded syringe tip. This helps the saline flow through more easily and improves the procedure’s success.
A syringe filled with sterile saline flushes out the tear duct system. The fluid helps clear debris or mucus blocking the duct. In children or adults who need more comfort, the same method is done under anesthesia using a soft probe.
The whole process takes about 5–10 minutes per eye. For children under anesthesia, the full visit may take around 30 minutes. Most adults can return to daily activities right after. Discomfort is usually mild and brief, and tear drainage often improves right away.
Blocked tear ducts can cause constant tearing or dry, irritated eyes. Flushing the duct restores normal drainage and often brings fast relief.
Once the blockage is cleared, tears flow normally again, reducing watering and irritation.
The procedure is fast and done in-office, which makes it convenient for both adults and children.
It’s minimally invasive, with little downtime and a low chance of complications.
Irrigation not only treats the problem but also confirms whether a blockage is actually there, helping guide next steps if needed.
Nasolacrimal duct irrigation is generally safe, but like any procedure, it carries some risks. Our eye doctor takes steps to minimize these, but here’s what you should know:
Sometimes the first irrigation doesn’t fully clear the blockage. If symptoms continue, our eye doctor may suggest another irrigation or a more advanced procedure. This isn’t unusual, and your care plan will be tailored to your needs.
The risk of infection is low, but it’s possible. Watch for signs like increased redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. If you notice any of these, contact our eye doctor right away.
Knowing what will happen can make the experience smoother and less stressful. Our eye doctor will give you clear instructions to help you get ready.
If general anesthesia is involved (usually for children), you’ll need to follow specific fasting rules, typically no solid food after midnight and only clear liquids for a limited time. The care team will give exact details.
Adults who receive only numbing eye drops usually don’t need to fast. Just wear comfortable clothes and skip jewelry or nail polish.
Plan to arrive early so there’s time to check in and go over final instructions. A nurse or assistant will help guide you through what’s next.
If your child is having the procedure, one parent may be allowed to stay until they fall asleep (depending on the facility). For adults, the procedure is usually done right in the office.
Take the first step towards improved eye comfort by scheduling a consultation with one of the top eye care specialists listed with Specialty Vision. Our experienced doctors are ready to assist you with any concerns regarding your tear duct health.
You’ll lie down on a comfortable exam bed. A numbing drop is applied to the eye. For children, anesthesia ensures the process is pain-free.
The irrigation itself only takes a few minutes per eye. Afterward, the team checks for any side effects like mild discomfort or sleepiness. Most people go home the same day and recover quickly.
Proper care after nasolacrimal duct irrigation helps prevent complications and supports healing. Our eye doctor will give you simple, clear instructions to follow at home.
You’ll likely be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection. Use them as directed, usually for about a week. Stick to the schedule and watch for any new symptoms during this time.
A follow-up is usually set within 1–2 weeks to check how well the procedure worked. If a stent was placed, our eye doctor will explain next steps, including when it will be removed. These visits help track healing and catch any issues early.
When tear duct blockages don’t improve with basic care, like drops, warm compresses, or massage, nasolacrimal duct irrigation becomes the next step. This is usually considered around 8 to 10 months of age if symptoms persist.
In young children, the procedure is done under general anesthesia at a surgical center to make sure it’s completely painless. It’s a safe and effective way to relieve discomfort and restore proper tear drainage.
The process is handled gently and with care, using the same protocols as for adults, just adapted for children. Parents receive clear instructions before and after the procedure to help their child recover smoothly and comfortably.
Yes. Nasolacrimal duct irrigation works well for most patients, both adults and children. It often leads to immediate relief and better tear drainage. While there's a small chance the blockage may return, the success rate is high, especially when done by skilled professionals.
For adults, the procedure is usually painless thanks to numbing eye drops. Children are given general anesthesia, so they don’t feel anything during the process. Some mild soreness or irritation afterward is normal but goes away quickly with proper care.
Adults can usually return to normal activities right after the procedure. For children, some rest and supervision may be needed until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Using any prescribed antibiotic drops and following care instructions will help with healing.
Not many. Most people can get back to daily life as soon as they feel ready. Just follow any specific advice from our eye doctor. For children, gentle care is recommended for the rest of the day, especially if they had anesthesia.
If symptoms continue, our eye doctor may suggest another irrigation or, in some cases, a more advanced treatment. You'll be guided through the next steps based on what’s best for your situation.
Take the first step towards improved eye comfort by scheduling a consultation with one of the top eye care specialists listed with Specialty Vision. Our experienced doctors are ready to assist you with any concerns regarding your tear duct health.
Nasolacrimal duct irrigation clears blockages in the tear drainage system, restoring normal eye comfort. Find a top optometrist near you today.
