Lacrimal
Gland And Drainage Problems Introduction: The lacrimal
glands produce the tear fluid that lubricates the eye lids so they
can blink with a minimum of resistance/friction keeping the cornea from drying
out. The excess tear fluid is collected in a system of ducts that end up in the
nasolacrimal
duct that drains into the inside of the nose. It is common
in babies that the drainage channels are blocked, in which case a condition, called
dacryostenosis,
is diagnosed. Signs and symptoms: If the drainage
channels are blocked, the tears drip over the cheek and the child gets a skin
rash from the drying out of the skin. Sometimes this rash draws as much attention
as the drainage problem. When the drainage area gets blocked and infected,
a condition called dacryocystitis
can develop. Diagnostic tests: Usually the diagnosis
is made by careful history taking, observation and examination. In cases of infection
a swab for laboratory testing may be taken to determine the infectious agent.
Treatment: The eye specialist can reopen this blocked
drainage channel with a special probe. With dacryocystitis
often the specialist uses a combination of probing to overcome a blockage and
subsequent treatment of the infection with antibiotics. With chronic recurrent
cases the specialist may have to do a small microsurgical procedure to reestablish
another drainage mechanism. Pain Control: There is an FDA
approved non-drug method available, IceWave
patches from Lifewave, which will control pain. This method may be useful
in some of these cases before and after corrective surgery. This pain control
method is mentioned in the book "Breakthrough" by Suzanne Somers (Ref.
6) where newer insights of antiaging medicine are also reviewed. Although the
patches are placed over acupuncture points, there are no needles involved. Nanotechnology,
a newer technology, was used in the manufacturing of these patches and infrared
(heat) waves from body heat are utilized to stimulate an acupuncture point, which
modifies pain perception and reduces pain to half or less. Medically this would
be considered an excellent pain reliever. For more info on the patches see the
IceWave patches from Lifewave link above (click "products"). In the
US a 5 pack of the IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed onto
the skin in the area where the pain is located. |
