Has anyone had their tear ducts rebuilt?

[DevonLottie]

It was suggested today at an eye appt that I might have plastic surgery to rebuild my tear ducts (my eyes water constantly). Has anyone had this procedure and, if so, any advice?

[hamble99b Volunteer]

no but I have seen it done on "hospital sydney". My left duct is totally blocked due to "sadde nose" and I'm hoping to get it fixed in the future.

regards,

sandra.

[Jean9618]

I had both eyes done (one month apart). Not sure if they rebuilt them, but it did the trick. My eyes watered constantly and the skin underneath the eyes was very saw. The surgeon went in through the bridge of my nose, sliced open the tear duct and stitched it open somehow. I think that was how he explained it. It solved the problem immediately. Antibiotic drops for about a week and then back to remove some drainage tubes up my nose. It sounds awful, but it wasn't. I saw Mr. Geoffrey Rose at Moorfields. He is excellent and has an in depth knowledge of WG and associated problems. Good luck.

[Haggiss]

No, I need it doing on my left eye as a result of the WG. I refuse to have it done because of the complications i've been told about with regards to WG. I constantly get infections in it with green gunge coming out. I have to drain it about 3 times a day. I might consider it in the future but at the minute i'm just learning to live with it.

[SusanCh]

Hi Charlotte I had an operation to replace my blocked left eye tear duct in 2009 and haven't had any problems since. I opted for it because I got an abscess in the corner of my eye and was told that it would recur so needed to have it done. The Dr drilled through the bridge of my nose (under general anaesthetic) and placed a very small plastic tube stitched inside with dissolving stitches. I was told not to blow my nose which I found hard, but it worked. I was in and out the hospital the same day- the way I like it! After 6 weeks, the tube was removed with any pain. Love Sue x

[LMB2]

I was diagnosed with Cerebral Vasculitis 12 months ago and also suffered a stroke behind my left eye causing 30% loss of vision. It also caused a blocked tear duct in my left eye so it now constantly waters. I am under Moorfields hospital and they suggested an operation under general anaesthetic whereby they would drill a hole through the top of my nose and then run a tube from the tear duct down my nostril. The tube would stay in place for 6 weeks .The operation could be repeated up to 3 times. My first reaction was to say 'No' due to the trauma I have suffered over the last year. However, I am so fed up with my eye watering all the time. Under my eye gets sore and I can't wear make-up. This weekend I had a burst blood vessel in the eye which I think is caused my all the rubbing! I am now thinking "should I have the op?" Any advice or suggestions would be gratefully received. I think I am a bit, no a lot scared of having another op under a general.

Thank you

Lorraine