What is a lacrimal dilator?

What is a lacrimal dilator?

This is a double-ended instrument that is most commonly used in lacrimal system procedures. The dilator is used to help enlarge the puncta and canaliculus for punctal or canalicular procedures such as probing, stenting, punctal plug placement, punctoplasty, or marsupialization of the canaliculus.

What do the lacrimal ducts do?

The lacrimal duct system transmits tears from the surface of the eye to the nasal cavity. Tears enter the duct system at the lacrimal punctae and conduct through canaliculi within the eyelids. The canaliculi drain into the lacrimal sac.

How do you do dilation and irrigation?

Lacrimal irrigation is a relatively simple procedure that can help enhance your patients’ tear flow.

1. Insert dilator into vertical portion of duct.
2. Continue dilation to horizontal portion of duct by turning dilator 90°.
3. Insert irrigating canula into vertical portion of duct.

What is a punctal dilator?

Abstract. A combination punctal dilator and lacrimal probe intended for diagnostic and therapeutic probing of the entire lacrimal outflow system is described. This instrument allows for a single-handed comfortable transition from dilating to probing without release of lateral lid traction.

What is a lacrimal cannula?

Lacrimal cannula is used for the irrigation and probing of the lacrimal duct. The punctum and canaliculus may require dilation prior to procedure. Once air has been removed from the syringe, the cannula is inserted into the vertical canaliculus, the plunger pressed down slowly and the lacrimal duct irrigated.

What is punctal apposition syndrome?

The rare condition of “kissing puncta”1,2 represents the clinical abnormality in the punctal apposition syndrome (PAS) and is a secondary mechanical cause of acquired lacrimal drainage obstruction.

What is lacrimal Canaliculitis?

Canaliculitis refers to an infection of the tubes that connect the eye to the lacrimal sac. The most common cause of canaliculitis is a bacterium called Actinomyces israelii, but other bacteria, fungi (eg, Candida albicans), and viruses (eg, herpes simplex) may be causative.

What causes tear ducts to clog?

As you age, the tiny openings that drain tears (puncta) may get narrower, causing blockage. Infection or inflammation. Chronic infection or inflammation of your eyes, tear drainage system or nose can cause your tear ducts to become blocked. Injury or trauma.

How do you flush a tear duct?

probing using a thin metal instrument: The ophthalmologist gently passes a thin metal instrument (probe) through the tear duct to open the blockage. Then they flush the duct with sterile water to make sure the pathway is clear. This is the procedure most often used for blocked tear ducts.

What is lacrimal duct?

lacrimal duct. (Anatomy) a short tube in the inner corner of the eyelid through which tears drain into the nose.

What is inflammation of the lacrimal duct called?

Dacryocystitis is an infection or inflammation of the nasolacrimal sac, usually accompanied by blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. Dacryocystitis can be acute or chronic and congenital or acquired. When present, medial canthal swelling of dacryocystitis is usually located below the medial canthal tendon.

What is dilation of the lacrimal punctum?

Dilation of the Lacrimal Punctum. Dilation of the lacrimal punctum is a useful treatment when mechanical, inflammatory, or infectious processes cause or contribute to obstruction of normal tear drainage resulting in excessive tearing or persistent ocular infection.