What is thermal cautery for dry eye?

During cauterization, an ophthalmologist applies heat to the puncta in each eye, permanently closing the duct and thus preventing tears from draining out of the eyes. This procedure is performed in the ophthalmologist’s office. Your doctor administers local anesthesia to ensure that you feel no pain.

What is a punctal cautery?

Punctal cautery is burning the tear duct opening so it scars closed. This procedure is typically performed in patients with severe dry eyes when punctal plugs aren’t working, most commonly because they keep falling out.

Is tear duct cauterization painful?

The procedure, done in your doctor’s office, takes only minutes to complete with little to no discomfort. Each of your eyes has two punctum, one on each eyelid. Plugs can be inserted in one or both. Your doctor may also use a special instrument to enlarge the punctum, making insertion easier.

What happens after tear duct cauterization?

After punctal cauterization, the percentage of eyes with severe (21%) and moderate (25%) dry eye decreased significantly (8% and 19% at 3 months and 6% and 17% at 12 months, P = 0.0006). Fifty-four percent of patients reported improvement in their symptoms.

Can you reverse punctal cautery?

The cautery procedure itself is very fast. Some doctors prefer to cauterize deeply, ensuring that the tear duct will not reopen, whereas others prefer to perform a procedure which is not as deep, and can be easily reversed in the office.

What is recovery time for tear duct surgery?

Most patients, if they want to get up and go, take 48 hours off work, and the majority will take off 7 to 10 days. I do not know anyone who takes any longer than that.

How is punctal occlusion done?

Using a forceps-like applicator, the plug will be placed into the corner of your eye, then released. An applicator or another tool will then be used to gently push the plug into your natural punctal opening and you’ll be asked to blink. Once the plugs get wet, they will expand to completely fill the opening.

Can tear duct cauterization be reversed?

Is punctal cautery permanent?

These are semi-permanent tear duct plugs. Your eye doctor has to remove the plugs in another procedure. Thermal cautery.

How painful is tear duct surgery?

Your child should have very little discomfort after the procedure. It’s common for kids to have some bloody or pink-tinged tears and a mild bloody nose for the first 1–2 days after the procedure. The doctor may prescribe eye drops after surgery and will tell you how to care for your child at home.

What can you not do after tear duct surgery?

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.

Is punctal cautery reversible?

Permanent punctal occlusion involves the use of thermal cautery (heat) or a laser to close the opening to the tear drainage duct. This procedure is usually permanent, and not reversible. It is usually recommended in patients that have felt improvement in their dry eye disease after trying temporary punctal plugs.

Can I exercise after tear duct surgery?

Light walking and normal household activities are acceptable immediately after surgery. You may resume exercise at 50% intensity after one week, and full intensity at two weeks. You may drive the day after surgery if you are not requiring opioid medication.

Can you shower after cauterization?

After 48 hours you can shower as normal, but pat the wound dry carefully. If the wound starts bleeding apply firm pressure to the wound with gauze or tissues for 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, contact the department. The wound may ooze a little over the next ten to 14 days.

How long does it take for tear duct surgery to heal?

Once I know that everything is fine and you are at least six weeks after surgery, then we do have the choice of discharging you. Only a small number of patients who have DCR surgery will have a subsequent failure between six weeks and six months.

How long does it take to recover from blocked tear duct surgery?

How long does it take to heal after cauterization?

Your recovery time after treatment will depend on the size of the treated area and the amount of tissue removed. Healing usually takes place within two to four weeks. It may take longer if a large area of tissue has been treated.