The diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be done through a procedure called Lacrimal Irrigation, which is commonly used by ophthalmologists to detect blockages in the tear drainage system. The steps are as follows:
1. Anesthetic drops are applied to the patient's eyes to prevent discomfort during the procedure.
2. Sterile saline solution (Normal Saline Solution) is injected using a blunt cannula specifically designed for lacrimal irrigation.
3. The saline is injected through the punctum and canaliculi located at the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids, and the flow of the saline into the nasal cavity is observed.
Possible outcomes:
- No obstruction: The saline flows completely from the eyes into the nose, and the patient immediately feels the saline passing down their throat.
- Complete obstruction: The saline cannot flow into the nose at all. Instead, it flows backward, and the ophthalmologist may observe discharge or mucus returning from the lacrimal sac.
- Partial obstruction: The saline flows partially into the nose, and the patient may feel some saline passing into their throat. The ophthalmologist may also notice some saline flowing backward.
This diagnostic method allows ophthalmologists to accurately assess the severity of the obstruction or narrowing of the nasolacrimal duct and plan appropriate treatments such as irrigation, medication, or surgery.
