Lacrimal surgery refers to the care of all problems which may affect the tear drainage system of the eye. A watering eye, chronic conjunctivitis, painful infections or tumours are some of the problems that may occur.
Problems affecting the tear drainage system of the eye require very thorough assessment as there are many factors affecting the normal functional drainage of tears. This assessment can be performed at Dr McKeag’s clinic, and further investigations are not usually required.
An endonasal DCR re-establishes normal tear drainage. It is performed from inside the nose using imaging equipment and fine instruments, and may be required for a blocked tear drainage system or infections.
Endonasal DCR is a more modern technique, which avoids an external operation and the resulting swelling, bruising and scar. It interferes less with the normal tear pump mechanism than an external DCR. Recovery is rapid with most patients back at work within 48 hours.
A small incision is placed on the side of the nose and the DCR is performed through this approach. An external DCR remains a very effective operation and is more suitable than an endonasal DCR in selected patients.
A glass tube is inserted which allows tears to drain from the inner corner of the eye. This method is often used when DCR is not possible.
