Nasolacrimal Stenting

What is Nasolacrimal Stenting?

Nasolacrimal stenting (also called tear duct stenting or nasolacrimal duct intubation) involves inserting a small silicone tube into the tear duct.

The stent keeps the duct open, helping tears drain normally and supporting healing of the drainage system.

It’s often used when probing or dilation has not fully resolved a blockage, or as part of other procedures like Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery.

Is Nasolacrimal Stenting right for me?

This treatment can be a suitable option if you have:

• Blocked or narrowed tear ducts
• Persistent watery eyes or overflow tears (epiphora)
• Recurring eye irritation or discharge
• Partial tear drainage delay that hasn’t improved with treatments such as dilation or probing.

What happens during Nasolacrimal Stenting?

Preparing for Nasolacrimal Stenting

Your Nuffield Health consultant (surgeon) will carry out a detailed examination and review your medical history before deciding if Nasolacrimal Stenting surgery is suitable for you.

During the operation

Nasolacrimal Stenting is a minor, quick procedure typically performed under a local anaesthetic:

• Your Consultant (surgeon) gently inserts the stent through the tear duct opening (punctum) and moves it down the duct into the nose
• The tiny silicone tube stays in place to hold the duct open, supporting normal tear flow
• In most cases, the stent is removed after several weeks once the tear duct has healed and normal drainage is restored.

Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery tends to be quicker when compared with other major eye surgeries.

What to expect after Nasolacrimal Stenting?

After the procedure, you may experience:

• Mild irritation or watering for a short time
• Temporary discomfort around the eye or nose.

Most patients can return to normal daily activities soon after the procedure.

Your consultant will provide you with clear guidance on pain management and wound care in the days and weeks that follow.

What are the benefits of Nasolacrimal Stenting?

Nasolacrimal Stenting can:

• Improve tear drainage
• Reduce watery eyes
• Help prevent recurring infections or irritations
• Avoid or delay more extensive surgery
• Provide a tailored option when probing alone isn’t enough.

Because it supports the natural tear drainage pathway, stenting can offer effective relief with minimal downtime.

What are the risks and complications of Nasolacrimal Stenting?

As with any treatment, Nasolacrimal Stenting carries some risks. These may include:

• Temporary discomfort, irritation or inflammation
• Possible displacement or blockage of the stent
• Rarely, infection or mild bleeding.

Before your treatment, your Consultant (surgeon) will talk you through these risks, answer any questions, and help you feel more confident going into surgery.