Lacrimal Probes — Pattern and Clinical Use
Probing the lacrimal system diagnoses and treats obstruction of tear drainage, most commonly congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants. Probes are passed through the punctum, along the canaliculus and down the duct, with graduated diameters used in sequence to dilate progressively. The classic Bowman probes are double-ended with two sizes per instrument.
Probes must be malleable enough to follow the natural curve of the duct but stiff enough to advance through a stenosis. Surfaces must be highly polished — the canalicular lining is delicate and any roughness causes scarring that worsens the obstruction.
Lacrimal Probes Variants and Specifications
Standard Bowman probe sizing.
| Size | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 0000-000 | Finest; infant canaliculi |
| 00-0 | Paediatric probing |
| 1-2 / 3-4 | General adult probing |
| 5-6 / 7-8 | Progressive dilation |
| Double-ended set | Two sizes per instrument |
| Punctum dilator | Opens the punctum before probing |
Material, Finish and Quality Control
We forge Lacrimal probes from 316L austenitic stainless. Surfaces are polished and inspected end to end, because roughness on a probe scars the canalicular lining and worsens the obstruction. Each batch passes Rockwell hardness testing, dimensional checks on surface polish along full length, and visual inspection under our ISO 13485 system before passivation and final finishing. Mirror and satin finishes are both available — satin is usually specified where glare under operating lights is a concern.
Who Sources Lacrimal Probes From Surgical Star
Lacrimal probes sell as graduated Bowman sets to ophthalmic and paediatric ophthalmology distributors, and are standard in oculoplastic and lacrimal trays.
OEM, Certification and Ordering
Every Lacrimal probes can be produced as a private-label line: your logo laser-marked on the shaft, your catalog numbers, and your own printed packaging, manufactured from your drawings or a reference sample. Our quality file is ISO 13485, our EU route is CE marking under MDR 2017/745, and our facility holds US FDA establishment registration. Conformity and ASTM F899 material certificates are issued against each order.
You order direct from the factory with no trading-house margin, on volume-tiered pricing and a minimum matched to your pattern and finish. Once your branded sample is signed off, expect roughly four to six weeks to bulk delivery, worldwide DDP. See how OEM & private label works →
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are lacrimal probes used for?
Assessing and relieving obstruction of the tear drainage system, most commonly congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants.
Why are they double-ended?
Bowman probes carry two graduated sizes per instrument, so a set covers the full dilation sequence in fewer pieces.
Why does surface finish matter?
The canalicular lining is delicate. Any roughness causes scarring, which makes the obstruction worse rather than better.
Can you manufacture these under our own brand?
Yes — full OEM and private label. We laser-mark your logo and catalog numbers, pack in your branded boxes, and work from your drawings, tech pack or a reference sample, with a pre-production sample approved before any bulk run.
Send your pattern list, drawing or a reference sample and we’ll quote MOQ, pricing and lead time — standard catalog or fully private-label.
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