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Subject: Re: DCR surgery Topic Area: Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryPosted by Janet Remus on August 07, 1999 at 09:44:44I had a DCR on my right eye 6 months ago. Afterward, my eye was very dry for 5 months and then began to tear infrequently until the silicone tube was removed at 6 months. Now, my eye has become more dry again and is tearing-I feel like I have regressed back to where I was 2 to 3 months ago. Also, I have had a lot of pain which I thought was attributed to the healing of the bone, but my doctor says at this point the bone has finished healing and it must be nerve pain. It is especially bad after being outside in the wind or in an air-conditioned car. My question is, do you think the tearing from dryness will eventually resolve itself when the opening has decreased to around 2mm? My doctor said the bone has healed, but the thickening of the mucosa will decrease the opening when it has finished healing. Also, do you think the pain I am experiencing would be from the nerves that were cut during the surgery and when can I expect that to improve? I feel that my doctor did an excellent job with the surgery and I have no tearing when I have sinus congestion, that is what caused my chronic tearing. However, he is not very good at communicating and doesn't adequately and thoroughly answer my questions.
Posted by HFHS MD-JL on August 07, 1999 at 12:58:23 I perform DCR's on a regular basis. I have not experienced a problem with chronic pain. This pain may represent dry eye syndrome pain but this would make the eye hurt. It is possible that you can have dry eyes after the tear duct has been surgically opened. You may benefit from a punctal plug in the lower tear duct to keep some fluid around to lubricate the eye. This would still leave the upper tear duct open to drain exces tears. I would be happy to see you for a second opinion if you are in the Detroit metro area. This information was provided for educational purposes only. HFHS MD-JL
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