About Lacrimal Syringing and Probing
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive outpatient procedure with no surgical incision.Provides both diagnostic evaluation and potential therapeutic relief in one session.Quick procedure, often completed within 15-30 minutes.High success rate, especially in pediatric cases of congenital blockage.Immediate feedback on the patency of the tear drainage system.Can prevent recurrent eye infections associated with blocked tear ducts./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent watery eyes (epiphora) in adults or children.
- Suspected blockage of the nasolacrimal duct (tear duct).
- Recurrent eye infections or conjunctivitis linked to poor tear drainage.
- Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants that does not resolve with massage.
- Evaluation of tear drainage system prior to more complex oculoplastic surgery.
- Mucus or pus discharge from the corner of the eye.
How to prepare
- Consultation with an ophthalmologist for a complete eye examination.
- Disclosure of all current medications, especially blood thinners.
- No need for fasting as local anesthesia (eye drops) is typically used.
- Arranging for transportation home is advisable, though driving is often possible.
- Removal of eye makeup and contact lenses before the procedure.
- For infants, feeding may be adjusted per the doctor's advice to ensure comfort.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor discomfort, stinging, or a salty taste during saline flushing.
- Temporary increased tearing or slight bleeding from the puncta.
- Risk of creating a false passage if probing encounters resistance (rare).
- Infection (dacryocystitis) following the procedure is uncommon.
- Failure to resolve the blockage, necessitating further procedures.
- Very rare risk of damage to surrounding nasal or ocular structures.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
- Mild blurry vision or tearing may occur for a few hours.
- Prescribed antibiotic eye drops must be used as directed to prevent infection.
- Avoid rubbing the eyes vigorously for a few days.
- Follow-up appointment to assess the success of the procedure and tear drainage.
- For infants, parents may be instructed to continue gentle nasolacrimal duct massage.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering lacrimal syringing and probing in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for lacrimal syringing and probing in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform lacrimal syringing and probing. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for lacrimal syringing and probing compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Lacrimal Syringing and Probing in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing lacrimal syringing and probing.
Diya Shah, a 28-year-old graphic designer,...
Diya Shah, a 28-year-old graphic designer, had been struggling with a persistently watery and sticky left eye for over six months. The constant tearing blurred her vision while working on her digital illustrations, and she was self-conscious about the visible discharge. She had tried warm compresses and antibiotic drops from her GP with no lasting improvement. Her ophthalmologist, Dr. Kapoor, explained that a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) was likely the cause and recommended lacrimal syringing and probing to diagnose and potentially clear the blockage. During the procedure, Diya felt pressure and a strange sensation of fluid in her throat but no sharp pain, thanks to the anesthetic drops. The syringing confirmed a partial blockage, which the gentle probing successfully opened. In the days following, her eye was slightly sore but the constant tearing and discharge resolved completely. Diya felt immense relief and a boost in confidence, moving from frustration and anxiety about a chronic, messy problem to gratitude for a simple, effective solution.
Ophthalmologists for Lacrimal Syringing and Probing
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform lacrimal syringing and probing and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist