Which surgical instrument is used to enlarge the punctum?

The dilator is the correct choice for enlarging the punctum, which refers to the small opening of the tear ducts in the eyelids. This procedure is often necessary when the punctum is too small to properly allow for adequate drainage of tears, potentially leading to conditions such as excessive tearing or chronic eye irritation.

A dilator is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing for the gentle widening of the punctal opening without causing trauma to the surrounding tissue. It typically has a tapered end that can be inserted into the punctum, gradually expanding it to facilitate the desired outcome. This type of instrument is essential in ophthalmic procedures to ensure patient comfort and minimize complications.

In contrast, a scalpel is primarily used for cutting tissue, and while scissors might be used for surgical procedures, they are not designed for the delicate task required for punctal dilation. Forceps may assist in various tasks within eye surgeries but similarly lack the specific design necessary for enlarging the punctum.