What procedure is intended to restore the function of a blocked tear duct?

Probing is a procedure designed specifically to restore the function of a blocked tear duct. During this procedure, a thin instrument is inserted into the punctum (the small opening on the eyelid) and maneuvered through the tear drainage system to clear any blockages. This helps to open the pathway so that tears can drain properly from the eye into the nasal cavity, alleviating symptoms such as excessive tearing or eye discharge associated with tear duct obstruction.

The nature of probing allows for a minimally invasive solution to tear duct blockages and is often performed in both pediatric and adult patients. The success of the probing procedure can lead to significant improvement in tear drainage and overall comfort for the patient. Other options, such as debridement, draining, or incision, do not specifically target the problem of tear duct obstruction in the same manner and are generally associated with different surgical interventions or treatments for other conditions.