Nasolacrimal Duct Stenting
Nasolacrimal duct stenting is a medical procedure used to treat watery eyes (epiphora) caused by an obstruction in the drainage of tears from the eyes into the nose. This condition is sometimes referred to as "functional obstruction" or "functional delay" when there is no apparent blockage in the tear drainage system, or "partial obstruction" when there is a partial blockage.
About the procedure
The procedure involves the placement of silicone stents or flexible rods through the nasolacrimal system, which extends from the punctum (the tiny opening at the inner corner of the eyelid) to the opening of the nasolacrimal duct in the nose. These stents are left in place for several months, during which time they help to maintain the patency of the tear drainage system and improve the flow of tears from the eyes into the nose.
Procedure and Success Rate
The nasolacrimal duct stenting procedure is minimally invasive. The stents are carefully inserted through the tear drainage system and are left in place for a period of time (usually several months) to allow for proper drainage.
The success rate of nasolacrimal duct stenting is quite high, ranging from approximately 80-90% of patients experiencing improvement in their watery eyes. It is a relatively simple and less invasive option compared to other surgical procedures for tear drainage issues.
Alternative Procedure
If nasolacrimal duct stenting is unsuccessful or does not provide sufficient relief, another option is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery. DCR is a more definitive procedure that creates a new drainage pathway for tears to bypass the blocked or narrowed nasolacrimal duct