Bowman Lacrimal Probe
Also known as: Bowman probe
Slender, double-ended, malleable probe used to explore and open the nasolacrimal duct, especially in congenital tear-duct obstruction.
Reusable hand instrument
About the Bowman Lacrimal Probe
The Bowman lacrimal probe is a fine metal rod used to probe the tear drainage system. Nasolacrimal duct probing is the main surgical treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants, performed in the clinic or under general anaesthesia in older children, sometimes together with placement of a silicone stent.
Bowman probes are double-ended rods with smooth, rounded ends, made in a numbered series of sizes with a different size at each end. They are malleable, so they can be bent gently to follow the curve of the lacrimal passages. In use the punctum is usually widened first with a lacrimal dilator.
Size range, metal (stainless steel or silver) and handle form vary between makers.
Product reference: Rigor Instruments — official product page. The listed company is shown as a source; check the catalogue for its role as manufacturer or supplier.
Common uses
- Nasolacrimal duct probing
- Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
- Lacrimal stenting and intubation
Variations, sizes & configurations
Shapes
- Malleable
- Double-ended
- Curved
Jaw, tip & blade configurations
- Delicate
- Smooth
Specifications vary by manufacturer. Confirm exact dimensions and patterns in the manufacturer’s catalogue.
Catalogue listings from manufacturers
| Brand | Catalogue item | Model no. | Size / length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00654) | RI-00654 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00655) | RI-00655 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00656) | RI-00656 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00657) | RI-00657 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00658) | RI-00658 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00659) | RI-00659 | Official site ↗ | |
| Rigor Instruments | Bowman Malleable Lacrimal Probe (RI-00660) | RI-00660 | Official site ↗ | |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4097 | size 0/1, 0.8mm / 0.9mm · straight | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4098 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · #0000 and #000 · straight, probe | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4099 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · #00 and #0 · straight, probe | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4100 | Official site ↗ | |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4101 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · #1 and #2 · straight, probe | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4102 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · size 2/3, 1.1mm/1.3mm · straight, malleable | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4103 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · straight, probe | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4104 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · size 4/5, 1.4mm/1.5mm · straight, blunt | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4105 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · straight, probe | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4106 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · size 6/7, 1.6mm/1.8mm · straight, malleable | Official site ↗ |
| Sklar Surgical Instruments | Sklar® Bowman Lacrimal Probe | 65-4107 | 5-1/2" / 140 mm · straight, probe | Official site ↗ |
18 items listed in manufacturers’ own online catalogues, with sizes and model numbers as published. Check the exact item on the manufacturer’s page before ordering.
Companies offering this instrument
Rigor Instruments
Sialkot, Pakistan
Sialkot surgical instrument manufacturer with its own factory, offering spine, laparoscopy and obstetrics instruments and custom orders.
Shown only where the company’s own catalogue or website lists this instrument.
Further reading
- How to Read a Surgical Instrument CataloguePatterns, lengths, tips, locks, materials and finishes: the catalogue terms buyers need to compare instrument offers like for…
- Stainless Steel Grades and Finishes for Surgical InstrumentsMartensitic vs austenitic steel, ISO 7153-1 and ASTM F899, tungsten carbide inserts, titanium, and satin vs mirror finishes…
- How Surgical Instruments Are Made: From Forging to PassivationA step-by-step look at how reusable surgical instruments are made: steel choice, forging, machining, heat treatment, grinding, polishing…
Questions about the Bowman Lacrimal Probe
What is a Bowman Lacrimal Probe used for?
Slender, double-ended, malleable probe used to explore and open the nasolacrimal duct, especially in congenital tear-duct obstruction.
What other names is the Bowman Lacrimal Probe known by?
The Bowman Lacrimal Probe is also known as Bowman probe.
How are lacrimal probes and dilators sized?
Lacrimal probes are usually supplied in graded sets with very small diameters, and many catalogues use a numbering system rather than millimeters, often with double-ended probes of two consecutive sizes. Lacrimal dilators are short, tapered instruments used before probing. Because sizing conventions differ between makers, check the actual diameter for each number. Very fine probes bend easily, so straightness is an inspection point. See the Bowman lacrimal probe and Castroviejo lacrimal dilator guides.
Which configurations of the Bowman Lacrimal Probe are documented?
This guide records these variations, shapes: Malleable, Double-ended and Curved; jaw, tip or blade: Delicate and Smooth. See variations, sizes & configurations for the full list.
Where can I find catalogue listings for the Bowman Lacrimal Probe?
18 items matching this pattern are listed from manufacturers’ own online catalogues: Sklar Surgical Instruments (11) and Rigor Instruments (7). The catalogue table gives each model number and size as published, with a link to the official product page.
Which companies offer the Bowman Lacrimal Probe?
Companies whose own catalogues list the Bowman Lacrimal Probe include Rigor Instruments. Check the exact pattern and size with the company.
Which instruments are related to the Bowman Lacrimal Probe?
Other probes & dilators in this directory include Castroviejo Lacrimal Dilator, Harms Trabeculotomy Probe, Muldoon Lacrimal Dilator and Wilder Lacrimal Dilator. See all probes & dilators.
What should I check when sourcing probes and dilators?
- Pattern and size: compare the diameter or size range, the tip shape and the length with the supplier’s catalogue drawing or a sample. For the Bowman Lacrimal Probe this page records Malleable, Double-ended and Curved shapes and Delicate and Smooth tips.
- Material: confirm the exact steel grade or alloy in the supplier’s documentation, such as the material specification or certificate.
- Finish and any coating, as stated by the supplier.
- Regulatory marking or registration required in your target market (see medical device certifications).
- Reprocessing: the cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation instructions in the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
Sources
- rigorinstruments.com/ophthalmic-surgical-instruments/bowman-malleable-lacrimal-probe-ri-00660/
- rigorinstruments.com/ophthalmic-surgical-instruments/bowman-malleable-lacrimal-probe-ri-00659/
- rigorinstruments.com/ophthalmic-surgical-instruments/bowman-malleable-lacrimal-probe-ri-00658/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasolacrimal_duct_obstruction
Last checked 29 Oct 2026. Information is general reference, not clinical guidance.
Suggest a correction if any detail on this page is wrong.
Related instruments
Castroviejo Lacrimal Dilator
Double-ended lacrimal dilator, typically with one needle-point end and one tapered end, used to widen the punctum and canaliculus.
Harms Trabeculotomy Probe
Two-armed ophthalmic probe (trabeculotome) used in ab externo trabeculotomy to open Schlemm's canal into the anterior chamber, mainly for congenital glaucoma.
Muldoon Lacrimal Dilator
Small hand-held ophthalmic dilator with a tapered tip, used to enlarge the lacrimal punctum and canal during tear-duct procedures.
Wilder Lacrimal Dilator
Single-ended lacrimal dilator with a tapered tip, made in fine, medium and heavy tapers, used to gradually enlarge the lacrimal punctum.