Tear Duct Surgery: Restoring Eye Health & Comfort

Tear duct surgery may be considered when a blockage causes persistent watering, discharge or infection and the site and cause of obstruction are suitable for an operation.

Assessment

Watering can also result from dry eye, eyelid position or narrowing elsewhere in the drainage system. Examination may include vision testing, eyelid and eye-surface assessment, irrigation of the tear drainage pathway and sometimes examination of the nose.

What is DCR?

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) creates a new drainage route from the tear sac into the nose, bypassing a blocked nasolacrimal duct. It can be performed through a skin incision or from inside the nose. The approach depends on anatomy, prior treatment and the clinicians involved.

Risks and recovery

Risks can include bleeding, infection, bruising, nasal symptoms, scarring, displacement of a temporary tube, persistent watering, re-blockage and further surgery. Pain, activity limits, tube removal and return to work vary; the treating team should give individual instructions.

A real Revitalize patient experience

“After my tear duct surgery, I felt like a new person. The constant tearing and eye discomfort were gone, and I could finally focus on the things that mattered most to me without constantly worrying about my eyes.”

This is one individual’s Revitalize experience and does not predict another patient’s symptoms or outcome.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust provides independent DCR information. Confirm the currently contracted Revitalize clinician and facility through the contact route.

General information only.