Lacrimal Surgery

Having a safe and effective lacrimal surgery is often the best solution for key disturbances in this system. Our board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Renelle Lim, provides patient-centric procedures in Sarasota, delivering life-changing results and rapid symptom relief.

What Is the Lacrimal System?

Your lacrimal system regulates the tears in your eyes. A lacrimal gland produces and releases tears onto the surface of your eye. The tears drain through the complex lacrimal drainage system before exiting into your nasal cavity. The lacrimal system normally keeps your eye wet enough to be comfortable without overflowing.

The lacrimal system refers to the tear-producing and drainage system in the eye. Tears are essential for lubricating the eyes and protecting them from infections. The lacrimal system is composed of several parts, including the lacrimal gland, the tear film, the lacrimal canaliculi, the lacrimal sac, and the nasolacrimal duct.

The lacrimal gland, located in the upper outer corner of the eye, produces tears that are spread across the eye by blinking. The tears are then drained through the lacrimal canaliculi, which are small tubes that connect the eye to the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small pouch located in the inner corner of the eye, where the canaliculi converge. The tears then flow through the nasolacrimal duct, which connects the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity.

Conditions Affecting the Lacrimal System

Several conditions can affect the lacrimal system, including:

  • Dry eye syndrome: occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to eye discomfort, redness, and blurry vision.
  • Blockage: Another common condition is a blocked tear duct, which can occur in both children and adults. In infants, the blockage may be caused by a congenital abnormality, while in adults, it can be caused by an infection, injury, or tumor. A blocked tear duct can cause excessive tearing, discharge from the eye, and a risk of infection.
  • Inflammation: In some cases, the lacrimal system can become inflamed, a condition known as dacryocystitis, which can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the inner corner of the eye. In severe cases, it can lead to an abscess and require surgical drainage.

As an oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Renelle Lim will diagnose and treat these and other conditions affecting the lacrimal system. Treatment options may include medications, tear duct probing or dilation, or surgery to repair or bypass the blockage.

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Lacrimal Surgery FAQs

It is best to seek care for a lacrimal-related issue as soon as possible, especially if you experience persistent or severe symptoms. If left untreated, lacrimal system conditions can lead to complications, including infections and vision problems.
 
If you notice certain symptoms or risk factors, it is advisable to consult an oculoplastic surgeon for a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms. These include:

  • Excessive tearing
  • Redness
  • Discharge from the eye
  • Sudden pain, swelling, or redness
  • History of blocked tear duct
Lacrimal surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day upon completion. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may need only local anesthesia. General anesthesia is reserved for more involved surgery. Regardless, you can count on having a pain-free experience for the entire 1-duration (on average).

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It is best to seek care for any lacrimal-related issue as soon as possible to receive prompt diagnosis and treatment and to prevent potential complications. As a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Renelle Lim has performed numerous instances of lacrimal surgery, restoring functionality to her patients’ lacrimal systems.

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