CLL, blocked infected tear ducts, and DCR

[Lesleyriverside]

I’m stage A CLL, on watch and wait, and recently had two abscesses weeks apart, on my right tear duct sac, which required IV antibiotics in hospital (ducts have been blocked and I’ve had watery eyes for many years). Ophthalmologist recommended and performed DCR (tear duct bypass) two weeks ago. Recovering well, but biopsy shows CLL is deposited in tear duct, and infection may return when drainage tube is removed and possibly negate the DCR op. Apparently this is a rare condition, with very little data to inform next steps. My haematologist and ophthalmologist are currently liaising but I wondered if anyone has any advice or experience regarding this and how to proceed, especially with the CLL? Many thanks.

[mrsjsmith]

I sympathise,

I got to three abscess’s and countless antibiotics and trips to A&E before I had a DCR. Not nearly as scary an operation as I thought and quick and successful.

Where about are you in the UK ? By a sheer fluke my operation was done by an amazing top NHS surgeon and if you private message I can give you details.

Colette

[Lesleyriverside in reply to mrsjsmith]

Many thanks Colette. I’ve had the DCR, and it went really well, not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Recovering quickly and well. Problem now is the CLL deposits in tear sac.

[mrsjsmith in reply to Lesleyriverside]

Oh sorry I misread your post. Interesting they did a biopsy as I wasn’t aware of that happening to me. I do hope it’s successful. Colette

[Lesleyriverside in reply to mrsjsmith]

Thank you!

[SP444]

I feel for you, I also have issues with blocked tear ducts due to CLL/SLL. I had DCR surgery back in 2019 on my left eye that actually led to my diagnosis of CLL due to the 'CLL deposits' being found during surgery.

Although the surgery did help me initially with the watering eyes they do still water and are prone to infection. I'm currently on W & W but suspect the eye watering might go with any treatment that's successful.

Best wishes

[Lesleyriverside in reply to SP444]

Thank you, sorry to hear yours are still causing you probs.

[Notmuchenergy]

Hi I’m due to have DCR in a few days on left eye. I’ve had blocked tear ducts for about 8 years. Unfortunately my right eye duct seems blocked this last few months now as well. I’m relieved to hear recovery is quite quick. I just assume that with our blood cancer, CLL will be everywhere within our bodies as indeed so is our blood. Hope you continue to recover well from DCR

[Lesleyriverside in reply to Notmuchenergy]

Thanks for your reply. Recovery wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected. I have to have the other eye done too at a later date, so I won’t be as worried! Good luck with yours.

[Notmuchenergy in reply to Lesleyriverside]

Thank you

[chillsome]

Hello, I have been on Flair trial for CLL for nearly two years and pretty much throughout treatment period have had endless blocked ducts around my eyes - not tear ducts but the follicles (?) at base of my eyelashes. They make it look like I am getting styes but they seldom get properly infected. Also the eyelashes tend to grow under the skin in a rather horrible way. I am not sure if this is due to the CLL, treatment or completely un-related. I have to almost scrub around my eyes with a special solution to keep it under control. I have not mentioned it to my consultant. I assume it is akin to the terrible nails and general change in my hair generally. Sorry this is not much help.