An endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgical procedure done to treat a watery, sticky eye that’s caused by the narrowing or blockage of the tear drainage tubes. Tear drainage tubes run from the inner corner of the eye into the tear sac and then down into the nose.

An endoscopic DCR involves the surgeon creating a new passage between the tear sac and the nose, which will then bypass any blockage below the tear sac. This allows tears to drain normally again. This surgical procedure is also done to relieve blockages that occur higher in the tear drainage system. It may also be recommended for people who:

• Are suffering from a watery eye
• Have repeated eye infections
• Have sticky eye discharge
• A painful infection of the tear sac forms a lump between the eye and nose.

An endoscopic DCR is done under general anaesthesia and is a day-care case. An endoscope will be used and passed through the affected area, which will guide the surgeon throughout the procedure. A new pathway is made between the tear sac and the inside of the nose. A rubber tube will be inserted in the tear ducts in order to allow healing to take place within 6-12 weeks, and then it will be removed. A dressing inside the nose will be used to avoid a nosebleed.