Tears drain from the eye into the nose via the tear sac & duct. Blockage of the tear duct may cause watery eye and infection. Treatment is the bypass operation Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This connects the tear sac to the nose allowing drainage above the blocked tear duct.

DCR is a surgical procedure to restore the flow of tears into the nose from the lacrimal sac when the nasolacrimal duct is blocked. This can be done externally via a cut in the skin on the side of the nose or endoscopically via the nose.

Via the nose is preferable, as it is less traumatic with no external scar, but may not be possible if the nasal cavity is too narrow or the patient cannot tolerate general anaesthetic.

Externally a 10mm (approx.) skin incision is made on the side of the nose and bone is removed to make a connection to the nose cavity. Tubes may be placed to prevent closure and are removed after a few weeks.