Lacrimal irrigation is a medical procedure used to unblock or flush the tear ducts, often performed to relieve symptoms of epiphora or to diagnose obstructions. It involves the insertion of a small cannula into the punctum to introduce a saline solution into the lacrimal drainage system, helping to identify and clear blockages.

Lacrimal Irrigation

Medical Procedure

Tear ducts

Symptoms of epiphora

Diagnose obstructions

Small cannula

Punctum

Saline solution is a mixture of sodium chloride (salt) in water, commonly used in medical settings for intravenous therapy, wound cleaning, and contact lens rinsing due to its isotonic nature with human blood. It helps maintain fluid balance and can be used to rehydrate patients or deliver medications intravenously.

Saline Solution

The lacrimal drainage system is responsible for the drainage of tears from the ocular surface into the nasal cavity, ensuring proper eye lubrication and protection. It consists of the lacrimal puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct, and dysfunction can lead to conditions such as epiphora or dacryocystitis.

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