TEAR DUCT SURGERY
When you go home after tear duct surgery, you can expect
your nose to run. This discharge will be blood stained at
first, but it will gradually become clear. Do not expect to
be able to breathe properly through your nose for at least
a few weeks, as any swelling caused by your operation
may still be going down. You may find that there is bruising
around your eyes and face; this will take about a week to
go away. Sometimes this can be severe and may take three
weeks to go away.
You may experience headaches, and generally feel
‘bunged-up’, like you do when you have a cold. You may
also find that your nose is blocked with dried blood. Do
not pick at this, as not only may your nose start bleeding,
but you could introduce infection. Your nose will clean itself
of dried blood in its own time, but if you find your nose is
very blocked, please do the following nasal hygiene.
• use a pint of cooled (body temperature) boiled water
and dissolve in it one teaspoon of salt and bicarbonate
of soda (baking soda). Several times a day, sniff the
liquid gently up both the sides of the nose. This will help
loosen any crusts and blood clots. Do this for several
weeks.
If your nose starts to bleed, either put an ice cube in your
mouth and suck it, or make an ice pack (get a plastic bag
and fill it with ice cubes or use a bag of frozen vegatables)
and hold this against your forehead.
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If the bleeding persists, go to the nearest Accident and
Emergency Department.
You may also have had tiny tubes threaded through your
tear ducts. These will be removed approximately three
months after your operation, on return to the clinic. If
you need to sneeze, gently press the inner corner of your
eye when this happens to stop the tubes being forced
out of place.
Try to give up smoking, and, if any members of your family
smoke, ask them to go into another room or into the
garden. Keep away from smoky atmospheres and
crowded places, such as pubs and clubs. If at all possible,
try to stay within your home environment and keep away
from anyone who has a cough or a cold.
Remember:
• try not to knock your nose
• do not blow your nose
• try not to lift or carry heavy items.
You should try to follow the above advice for about two
weeks.
If you need any further help or advice, please contact us
at any time by telephoning (01302) 366666 and asking
for the ENT Ward, or (01302) 553143 (direct line).
WPR3262
July 2009
EYE CLINIC