Punctoplasty is a minor outpatient surgical procedure aimed at correcting the abnormal or narrowed position of the tear duct opening. The tear duct opening, located at the edge of the eyelid near the nose, is the opening through which tears enter the lacrimal duct. Punctoplasty seeks to enlarge the opening of the tear duct, thereby improving the drainage of tears and alleviating symptoms associated with poor tear circulation.
When is punctoplasty indicated?
Punctoplasty is primarily recommended for patients experiencing symptoms of poor tear drainage, such as:
- Dry eye: The inability to produce enough tears to keep the eye moist and comfortable.
- Excessive tearing: Excessive tear production that can spill over the face.
- Recurrent eye inflammation or infections: Caused by poor tear drainage.
- Sandy sensation in the eyes: A feeling of irritation and discomfort in the eyes.
- Redness and itching of the eyes: Common symptoms of dry eye.
How is punctoplasty performed?
Punctoplasty is a quick and painless procedure performed in the ophthalmologist’s office. It does not require general anesthesia, as topical or local anesthesia is used to numb the area. The surgeon uses specialized instruments, such as dilators or probes, to dilate the tear duct and enlarge its opening. In some cases, sutures may be used to correct the position of the tear duct.
The results of punctoplasty are usually visible within a few days. Most patients experience significant improvement in tear drainage, thus alleviating symptoms of dry eye, excessive tearing, irritation, and ocular discomfort. In some cases, a second session may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
