Lachrymal Dilator

Description

Lacrimal Dilator, 14.5cm

This lacrimal dilator 14.5cm is a long handled tool for opening the punctum. It suits users who prefer a full grip over a short pencil tool. You may also see it listed as a lachrymal dilator.

Why choose a longer handle

A 14.5cm body fills more of the hand. Some clinicians find this steadier, since the handle rests along the palm. That can help with a restless patient or a long clinic list. It also gives you more room to see past your fingers.

The job it does

The punctum is the small opening of the tear duct on the lid margin. Before you probe or irrigate, it often helps to widen it. This dilator does that with a slow, gentle stretch.

Steps in brief

• Turn the lid out a little to expose the punctum
• Insert the tip vertically for a short way
• Tilt toward the nose and rotate gently
• Withdraw once the opening is wide enough

Short or long dilator?

Short dilators, like our 10cm Ziegler, give a light pencil feel. On the other hand, this longer tool gives a fuller grip. Neither is better for everyone, so choose by comfort and by what your team already uses.

Storing a 14.5cm dilator

Rinse the tip after each use. Then check it for bends or burrs under a loupe. Finally, store it flat so the long shaft stays straight. A bent shaft throws off your feel for the tip, so set any bent tool aside.

It ships non-sterile. Clean and sterilize this long dilator each time, and it stays reusable. The shaft uses stainless steel to ASTM F899. Our long-handle dilator warranty runs for three years against manufacturing defects; 14.5cm shafts included. You can also see the ophthalmic catalogue, the shorter Ziegler dilator, or our answers page.

Only trained staff should handle a long dilator. Reprocessing steps are in our sterilization notes and the 14.5cm delivery details.