How does the tear duct work? Tears are discharged along the following pathway: Lacrimal gland secretes tears – lacrimal punctum – lacrimal duct – common lacrimal duct – lacrimal sac – nasolacrimal duct – nasal cavity. -Tear sac – nasolacrimal duct – nasal cavity. Tears secreted by the lacrimal gland enter the conjunctival sac, and through transient eye movement and siphoning action of the lacrimal canaliculus, they are collected in the lacrimal lake at the inner corner of the eye, and then enter the lacrimal punctum, through the lacrimal canaliculus, the lacrimal duct, the lacrimal sac, the nasolacrimal duct, and are finally discharged into the nasal cavity; a part of the tears evaporate into the air on the surface of the eyeball. Tear Drainage Channels What is Tear Tract Embolization? Tear duct embolization is one of the most commonly used treatments for moderate to severe dry eye. By implanting a tear duct plug, the tear drainage channel is closed, increasing the amount of tear fluid on the surface of the eye, thus relieving dry eye symptoms. Tear duct embolization Which patients are suitable for tear duct embolization? Lacrimal embolization may be considered in patients who have difficulty using artificial tears alone or who use them too often (more than 4 times a day). Who should not have tear duct plugs? Patients with tearing due to narrowing or obstruction of the tear ducts. 2. Lacrimal sac infection. What should be done before tear duct embolization? 1. Detailed history taking; 2. Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination, dry eye related examination, to clarify the diagnosis of dry eye; 3. Lacrimal irrigation. What is the treatment process of tear duct embolization? 1, Check the size of the patient’s lacrimal punctum and choose the appropriate size of lacrimal punctum pessary; 2, Open the package and take out the lacrimal punctum pessary; 3, Implant the pessary into the lacrimal canaliculus; 4, Ask the patient to blink naturally and reconfirm that the position of the pessary is correct. What are the types of lacrimal embolization? Biodegradable tear duct embolus Tear duct embolus is divided into two types: biodegradable and permanent. There are two types of tear duct plugs: lower tear duct plugs and simultaneous upper and lower tear duct plugs. Degradable tear duct plugs: Collagenous tear duct plugs will eventually degrade. Permanent tear duct plugs: silicone tear duct plugs are permanent, but they can be easily removed at any time as needed.