A Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a procedure to treat excessive tearing (epiphora) of the eye secondary to tear duct (nasolacrimal duct). Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland which is situated at the upper, outer margin of each eye and the tears sweep across the eye and are removed through small openings (puncta) into the lacrimal ducts situated in both eyelids close to the nose. These ducts lead into the lacrimal sac and then onto the nasolacrimal duct and into the nose.
One of the causes of excessive tearing is nasolacrimal duct obstruction and this can be treated by creating an opening from the lacrimal sac directly into the nasal cavity thus bypassing the nasal lacrimal duct.
This procedure can be undertaken from the outside of the nose through the skin into the nasal cavity.
An alternative is to undertake the procedure within the nose using telescopes as with sinus surgery. This management involves both an ophthalmologist and an otolaryngologist.
If you have any questions about DCR surgery procedures please contact us.
