Blocked Tear Duct Treatment Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery

What is a Blocked Tear Duct?

A blocked tear duct occurs when tears cannot drain normally, often leading to watery and irritated eyes. Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland and usually drain through small openings in our eyelids into the nasal cavity. When we blink, it pushes the tears into these openings, and from there, they empty into a small tube, which eventually drains into the nasal cavity. If this pathway is blocked, tears may overflow onto the cheeks, causing constant watery eyes, irritation, and potential infection. Whether the obstruction is partial or complete, a dacryocystorhinostomy procedure may be necessary in certain cases to restore drainage.

Before and After – Natural Yet Visible Results

What is Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) Surgery?

A Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, or surgery for a blocked tear duct, involves creating a new pathway for tears to drain. This procedure includes making a small opening between the lacrimal sac, also known as the tear sac, and the nasal cavity. Essentially, this opening bypasses the blocked duct to establish a free passage for tears to drain into the nose. A blocked tear duct surgery can be performed through:

• External DCR – In which a small incision is made beside the nose to gain direct access to the tear sac.
• Endoscopic DCR – Carried out internally via the nostril with a tiny camera, leaving no visible scar.

Both techniques are highly effective and are usually performed under local anaesthesia. It offers a permanent solution for most.

Who Needs DCR Surgery?

If your tear duct is blocked, you might need to get this procedure. Watch out for common symptoms like persistent watery eyes, recurrent infections, swelling on the inside corner of the eye, or discharge. The condition can affect anyone, but it is more common in people over 40 years of age, as our tear ducts narrow when we grow older, but not everyone requires surgery — some patients may benefit from Epiphora treatment UK before moving to surgical options. If less invasive treatments don’t work, or if the symptoms are severe, our experts will recommend it.

Step-by-Step Overview of the DCR Procedure

We aim to minimise your discomfort to the fullest once you book a consultation for tear duct blocked surgery. A team of specialised doctors and nurses will assess the pre-operative scans to locate the blockage. To make sure you don’t feel pain, you will receive anaesthesia. Your surgeon will make a small incision below/near your eyelid, beside your nose. The external or endoscopic approach would aim to create a new opening between the tear sac and the nasal cavity so that your tears flow freely! Sometimes, a soft silicone stent is also placed in this opening for healing, which is usually removed after a few months. The surgery takes about 30-60 minutes. You may be able to resume your routine as soon as the same day.

Benefits of Tear Duct Surgery

Other than helping your tears flow with ease, tear duct obstruction treatment offers significant benefits. It provides long-term relief from the uncomfortable symptoms that result from a blocked tear duct. You also have a reduced risk of infection as proper tear flow minimises a bacterial build-up. Say “bye” to irritation and soreness due to stagnant tears and “hello” to a better quality of life without constantly wiping your eyes. DCR is a one-time process that provides a permanent solution for most patients.

Recovery, Aftercare & Expected Results

Our team of doctors will guide you not only through the process of the surgery but also through what to expect. Following your dacryocystorhinostomy surgery, you might experience mild swelling, soreness, or nasal congestion. The discomfort should be minimal, and you will be taken through any medication needed to manage the same with aftercare instructions. Avoiding strenuous activities, a course of antibiotics, and timely follow-ups would be clearly discussed before we give you the go-ahead to go home. You should expect an almost-immediate improvement in tearing; the full result will be seen once the swelling reduces. Long-term success rates are expected. For those with eyelid laxity, Entropion and Ectropion Repair may also be recommended alongside tear duct care.

Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery Cost in the UK

We strive to ensure that we do not add to your issues by keeping the tear duct surgery cost at exorbitant rates. The cost of DCR surgery in the UK might vary depending on some factors, such as the type of surgery. We provide transparent pricing for the full process, and you can get your consultation and treatment from trusted and trained experts anywhere between the price range of £2,000 and £4,000. Feel free to browse through our insurance coverage policies.

Why Choose Our Clinic for DCR Surgery in the UK?

Whether it is for your tear duct obstruction treatment or any other procedure, we offer a patient-first approach. Our surgeons are highly trained at their job, and also put your mind at ease by walking through the steps with you at your own pace. We combine clinical expertise with compassion and care so that you achieve full recovery with minimal discomfort and challenges. Our state-of-the-art clinic is well-equipped to give you exceptional results for the DCR surgery in a safe environment. Patients seeking cosmetic improvement often explore lower eye bag removal during their eye care journey at our cosmetic clinic UK.