Lacrimal lavage is a simple, safe and painless in-office procedure, used to clear the tear drainage system. It is also known as nasolacrimal irrigation. It is used to remove debris, biofilms, allergens, as well as bacterial and inflammatory materials from the drainage system. It can be used to remove artificial dissolving plugs or other obstructive materials that may be blocked inside the system. Patients with chronic dry eyes often benefit from this.

Topical anaesthetic is applied to the eyes. A small tool called a punctal dilator may be used if the punctum (opening) is small. A lacrimal cannula attached to a syringe filled with saline is used to inject saline into the punctum to flush the system. If there is obstruction, regurgitation of saline through the same punctum or the superior punctum can be observed. If the system is patent, the patient will taste saline once it reaches their throat.