Tear Duct Surgery
Surgical treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear ducts) — including dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) performed externally or endoscopically.
Condition
Blocked tear ducts
Options
External or Endoscopic
Recovery
1–2 weeks
Tear Duct Surgery (DCR)
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) occurs as a congenital or acquired disease and can cause a watery eye, due to obstruction of the outflow of tears.
Acquired NLDO may develop for a variety of reasons, including secondary to facial trauma, chronic environmental allergies, toxicity from chemotherapeutic drugs or topical medications, tumors, sinus disease, or after sinus surgery.
DCR procedure involves removal of bone adjacent to the nasolacrimal sac and bypassing the obstruction. This allows tears to drain directly into the nasal cavity from the canaliculi via a new low-resistance pathway.
How It Works
Initial treatment includes determining and addressing the cause(s) of tearing and correcting any eyelid malposition or ocular surface abnormalities. DCR can be done externally (minimal scar) or endoscopically (through the nose/scarless) depending on nasal anatomy, which will be evaluated at your consultation with Dr. Rosh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural · Refreshed · Rejuvenated