How to Recover from a DCR
- Posted on: Jul 15 2018
Having a blocked tear duct can be beyond irritating. Not only can it cause itching, pain, and swelling, but it can also make it, so your eyes are constantly tearing or producing mucus. If you have a blocked tear duct that won’t go away with simple treatments, then Dr. Kristin Tarbet may recommend a Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).
What’s a DCR?
A DCR is a surgery that is done to restore the flow of tears into the nose from the lacrimal sac. This type of procedure is done when the nasolacrimal sac becomes blocked or obstructed. During this surgery, Dr. Tarbet will connect a tube from the tear drain to the nose. Usually, this procedure is done on an outpatient basis under a local anesthetic and patients can go home the same day.
Once you are sent home, we will send you home with a detailed list of recovery tips and suggestions. To help speed up your recovery we recommend the following:
- Use a Humidifier: As you are healing, we recommend that you use a humidifier to help keep the air moist.
- Use Ice Packs: After your surgery, you will most likely experience at least a little bit of swelling. To help rescue our swelling, try using soft ice packs multiple times a day.
- Avoid Swimming: If you are an avid swimmer or if you just like to take an occasional dip in the pool, make sure that you avoid swimming for at least two weeks or until Dr. Tarbet gives you the go ahead.
- Use Eye Drops: Typically when we send patients home from a DCR surgery, we will send them home with some eye drops to use. Make sure to use them as directed.
Schedule a Consultation
Even though we will send you home with detailed recovery instructions, a few extra tips never hurt. To learn more about blocked tear ducts, schedule a consultation at our Bellevue office today and call us at 425-455-2131.
Posted in: DCR (Blocked Tear Duct), Latest News