Tired of Watery Eyes? Here’s What You Need to Know About DCR Surgery.

Experiencing constant tearing, eye discharge, or discomfort near the inner corner of your eye? These symptoms might indicate a blocked tear duct, a condition that can be effectively treated with a surgical procedure known as Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR).

What Is Dacryocystorhinostomy?

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical intervention designed to restore the normal drainage of tears from the eyes into the nasal cavity. When the tear duct becomes obstructed, tears cannot drain properly, leading to excessive tearing and potential infections. DCR addresses this issue by creating a new pathway for tear drainage between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity.

Causes and Symptoms of a Blocked Tear Duct

Blocked tear ducts can result from various factors, including:

• Congenital anatomical abnormalities
• Chronic nasal or sinus inflammation
• Trauma to the nose
• Tumors obstructing the tear duct
• Infections

Common symptoms associated with a blocked tear duct include:

• Excessive tearing
• Eye discharge
• Pain or swelling near the inner corner of the eye
• Eye irritation

DCR Surgical Approaches

There are two primary methods for performing DCR:

External DCR

In this traditional approach, a small incision is made on the side of the nose to access the lacrimal sac. The surgeon then creates a direct connection between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity, allowing tears to bypass the blocked duct. A small tube may be inserted to keep the new passage open during healing.

Endoscopic DCR

This minimally invasive technique involves accessing the lacrimal sac through the nasal passages using an endoscope. The surgeon creates an opening between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity without any external incisions, reducing visible scarring and potentially shortening recovery time.

The endoscopic technique is completely scarless. Many patients like it for that reason. Using the endoscope in the nose gives superb magnification and illumination which allows the surgeon to see the smallest and tiniest detail and helps improve the accuracy of the surgery, and therefore improve the overall surgical success rate.

When Is DCR Recommended?

Not all cases of blocked tear ducts require surgical intervention. Initial treatments may include warm compresses, massage, or antibiotics if an infection is present. However, if these methods are ineffective and symptoms persist or worsen, DCR may be recommended to provide lasting relief.

Recovery and Considerations

Post-surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising, which typically subsides within a few days. The inserted tube, if used, is usually removed after a few months once the new drainage pathway has stabilized.

It’s essential to discuss with your ophthalmologist or ENT specialist to determine the most suitable approach based on your specific condition and overall health.

Inayat Eye Hospital, Islamabad offers the endoscopic DCR procedure services, with the latest state of the art equipment, minimal hospital stay and excellent outcomes.