What is a Lester Jones tube?
A Lester Jones bypass tube is a thin tube made from toughened glass that passes from the inner corner of the eye to the inside of the nose. It is designed to drain the tears from the eye to the nose.
Why do I need a Lester Jones tube?
Most people who need a Lester Jones tube have damaged tear ducts that cannot be repaired. Some will have tear ducts that are not physically blocked, but behave as if they are blocked. This is called a functional tear duct blockage. In these cases, a Lester Jones tube provides the best way to drain tears from the eye to the nose.
Is a Lester Jones tube permanent?
Yes, the tube is designed to be permanent. However, the tube can develop problems, including becoming dislodged (see below).
Can the tube break?
The tube will not break even if you are unlucky enough to be hit directly on the tube.
Is it normal to feel air come out of the tube when I blow my nose?
Yes, this is quite normal. It means the tube is working properly. Be careful not to blow too hard (see below).
How should I look after my Lester Jones tube?
The main aim of caring for your Lester Jones tube is to prevent it becoming blocked or dislodging. To help keep the tube clear, you can splash some water into your eye or put 2 or 3 drops of artificial tears in the eye with your head held back, and then sniff inwards to draw the fluid down the tube and into the nose. You should do this once a day. It can also be done in the shower, letting the water run onto the eye, then sniffing inwards.
To prevent or minimize the chance of the tube dislodging, you should try and avoid blowing your nose very hard or sneezing violently. If you do blow your nose or sneeze, then you can squeeze your eyes shut tightly to reduce the chance of the tube dislodging.
You should come for a check-up at least once a year to have the tube examined and cleaned.
What problems can occur with a Lester Jones tube?
The most common problems with a Lester Jones tube are:
- Dislodgement: this usually occurs when the tube shifts and comes out towards the eye. It can come out completely, or partially. If it comes out a small amount, you can sometimes push it back in to position with your finger. If it cannot be pushed back into place or it comes out completely, you should contact the office straight away to arrange to be seen within 24-48 hours if possible. If you are seen within 1-2 days then often the tube can be replaced without the need for a trip to hospital. Sometimes the tube dislodges inwards towards the nose. If this happens, the tube will stop working and will not be visible at the corner of the eye.
- Blockage of the tube: if this happens, the tube will stop working and the eye will become watery. If you sniff inwards strongly sometimes you might clear the blockage. If you can’t do this, then contact the office for an early appointment.
- Protein deposition in the tube: after some years, the lining of the tube can become coated with a protein material that stops the tears flowing along the tube properly. If this happens, a new tube can be put in, often as a small procedure in the office without needing to go to hospital.