What it is
Tears normally drain through small openings in the inner corners of the eyelids into the tear sac and then down the tear duct into the nose. When the duct is blocked, tears overflow and the tear sac can become infected (dacryocystitis), causing watering, sticky discharge and painful swelling beside the nose. DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) creates a new opening between the tear sac and the inside of the nose, either through a small cut in the skin beside the nose (external DCR) or from inside the nose (endoscopic DCR).
Who it's for
Adults with constant watering or repeated tear-sac infections caused by a blocked tear duct, usually confirmed by flushing the tear duct with saline (syringing). In babies, a blocked tear duct often improves on its own or with simple treatment, so DCR is rarely needed.
What to expect
The surgery is done under local or general anaesthesia. A thin silicone tube may be placed temporarily to keep the new passage open.
Recovery
Mild nose bleeding and swelling are common for a few days. Avoid blowing your nose forcefully for as long as your doctor advises. Skin stitches, if used, are usually removed after about a week, and any silicone tube is removed a few weeks or months later.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be a scar?
External DCR leaves a small scar beside the nose, which usually fades well over time. Endoscopic DCR leaves no skin scar.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sweta Patro