Tear Gland Surgery for Dry Eyes

Tear Gland Surgery for Dry Eyes

Tear gland surgery is a surgical procedure that is performed to improve the function of the tear glands and to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. Dry eyes is a condition that occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes moist. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including:

Burning or stinging sensation in the eyes

Redness and irritation

Blurred vision

Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Crusty eyelids

Tearing

Tear gland surgery can be an effective treatment for dry eyes that does not respond to other treatments, such as artificial tears or eye drops. The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes about 1-2 hours.

Types of Tear Gland Surgery

There are two main types of tear gland surgery:

Punctal occlusion: This procedure involves plugging the small ducts that drain tears from the eyes. This can help to prevent tears from draining away too quickly and can improve the moisture level in the eyes.

Lacrimal gland transposition: This procedure involves moving the lacrimal gland, which is responsible for producing tears, to a new location where it can be more effective. This can help to increase the amount of tears that are produced and can improve the symptoms of dry eyes.

Who is a Candidate for Tear Gland Surgery?

Tear gland surgery is typically recommended for people who have severe dry eyes that does not respond to other treatments. The surgery is most successful in people who have a blockage in the tear ducts or who have a damaged lacrimal gland.

Risks of Tear Gland Surgery

Tear gland surgery is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some risks associated with the surgery, including:

Bleeding

Infection

Scarring

Damage to the eye

Double vision

The risks of tear gland surgery are rare, but it is important to be aware of them before undergoing the procedure.

What to Expect After Tear Gland Surgery

After tear gland surgery, you will be given instructions on how to care for your eyes. You will need to keep your eyes closed for a few days and avoid strenuous activity. You will also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.

Most people experience some discomfort after tear gland surgery, but this discomfort should subside within a few days. You may also experience some swelling and bruising around your eyes. This swelling and bruising should also subside within a few days.

It may take several weeks for your eyes to fully heal after tear gland surgery. During this time, you will need to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. You will also need to avoid rubbing your eyes or wearing contact lenses.

Success Rates of Tear Gland Surgery

The success rate of tear gland surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the underlying cause of the dry eyes. In general, the success rate of tear gland surgery is about 70%. This means that about 70% of people who undergo tear gland surgery experience an improvement in their symptoms.

Alternatives to Tear Gland Surgery

There are a number of alternatives to tear gland surgery for dry eyes, including:

Artificial tears

Eye drops

Punctal plugs

Lipiflow

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy

Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for your dry eyes based on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your dry eyes.

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