Bowman Lacrimal Probe

Description

Bowman Lacrimal Probe

The Bowman lacrimal probe is a slim, double-ended wire probe for the tear drainage system. Each end has its own size, shown as a figure pair. Clinicians use it to probe the canaliculus and the nasolacrimal duct, for example in a child with a blocked tear duct.

Reading the figure pairs

Bowman sizes run from 00, the finest, up to 8, the thickest. A pair such as 1/2 means one end is size 1 and the other is size 2. Matched pairs like 3/3 give the same size at both ends. We offer 0/0, 0/1, 00/0, 1/1, 1/2, 2/2, 2/3, 3/3, 3/4, 4/4, 4/5, 5/5, 5/6, 6/6, 6/7, 7/7, 7/8 and 8/8.

Choosing a series

You also pick a series from the Series menu. Matched Ends covers the pairs with one size at both ends, from 0/0 to 8/8. Offset Ends A and Offset Ends B both cover the stepped pairs, from 00/0 to 7/8, in two builds of the same pattern. If you are restocking, match the build you already use so the feel stays the same.

How a set builds up

• Start with the finest pairs for tight puncta
• Add middle sizes for routine probing
• Keep thicker pairs for wider passages
• Hold spares of the sizes you use most

Bowman probing sequence

Probing often starts with a punctum dilator. Then the clinician passes a fine probe along the canaliculus. Next, they move up through the sizes as needed. Gentle force matters, because a forced probe can make a false passage.

Care for thin probes

Probes bend easily. So straighten nothing by hand, and replace any that kink. Also rinse them soon after use and store them flat in a marked rack.

Bowman probes come non-sterile; clean and sterilize them before each use. The wire uses stainless that conforms to ASTM F899. Each Bowman size also carries Bowman cover for three years against manufacturing defects; Bowman pairs from 00/0 upward count. Visit the ophthalmology page, see the Ziegler punctum dilator, or check our FAQ guide.

Bowman probes are for professional use. Our Bowman care section and delivery section answer common setup questions.