(Including alternate treatments for blocked tear ducts)

Regardless of the procedure you have had to correct a blocked tear duct, follow these post-operative instructions.

Avoid blowing your nose entirely or vigorous sneezing for the first week while any tubing is in place to keep the tubes from coming loose or displacing. After the first week following your DCR, you will want to blow your nose slightly and gently to loosen and clear any blood clots that may have formed. The inside of the nose should not be disturbed if at all possible. If you feel any drying or discomfort following your DCR on the inside of the nose, it is okay to apply a small amount of Vaseline gently to the area. Additionally, a pure saline nasal spray may be helpful and is available at most drug storess.

If you had silicone tubing put in place you will be able to see it extending from the inner corner of the operated eye(s). As with any tubing, please be careful not to disturb this area and keep it clear of dust and debris as much as possible. It should not interfere with your eye's normal function.

If the silicone tubing dislodges and extends into the eye, tape the tube using a medical adhesive to the side of the nose. Call our office to set up an appointment to come in and have the tube repositioned or removed.

You will be prescribed medication following your procedure. Please take all medications according to instruction. If you still feel a sense of significant discomfort, call our office and we may be able to adjust your pain medication to suit your needs. If you are given an ointment or drop and have a severe reaction such as intense burning or itching, discontinue its use and contact our office, as you may be having an allergic reaction.

Following a DCR it is normal to experience a bloody discharge from the nose that may empty into the back of the throat. This will subside over a period of a few days. If you experience excessive bleeding that will not subside with pressure applied to the nose, please call our office immediately.

If there is significant swelling following your surgery apply cold compresses to the nose and corners of the eye(s). Do this about six times a day for no longer than fifteen minutes at a time until swelling subsides.

If a "macaroni" tube is placed inside the nose, it should fall out in about 4-6 weeks time. If it does not fall out on its own, contact our office so you can come in and have it removed. If the tube loosens or falls out sooner, it's okay; this tube was in place to allow for temporary extra drainage and will not severely effect the overall outcome of the surgery.

Avoid heavy lifting for 7-10 days following your procedure. This will ease any extra pressure and blood flow to the sutures. Also avoid air travel during this period of time the pressure differences can add extra strain to the operated area as well.

At night sleep with your head propped up under two or three pillows; do this as long as swelling persists.

If you feel any stuffiness or congestion while any tubing is in place we recommend nasal strips that can be bought at any drugstore and worn at night. Again, you may find saline nasal spray to be helpful.

You may shower the day following your surgery, but be careful to avoid getting soap or water near the eye area. We recommend washing your face with a clean washcloth in order to avoid this problem.

Depending on your surgeon's recommendation, you will come back in 3-6 months following a DCR or silicone intubation to have it removed in the office. The end of the tube will be cut and the tube carefully pulled out. You may resume ordinary activities directly after the tube is removed. In the case of children, the tube(s) will be removed in an outpatient hospital facility under general anesthesia.

If you have any further questions that were not addressed do not hesitate to call our office at 952-925-4161.