London Eye Specialist
London Eye Specialist
This is a surgical procedure to improve tear drainage by forming a new tear duct into the nose bypassing any existing blockage. It is usually performed under a general anaesthetic as a day case procedure.
Tears are constantly being produced by the eye; these usually drain out through the normal tear drainage system arising from the inner corner of the eyelid, down the tear duct into the nose. The tear duct narrows with age, resulting in the system overflowing and tears rolling down the cheeks. This is particularly bad in situations when more tears are produced, for example when outdoors in windy weather. Other causes of tear duct blockage include facial injuries or certain nose or sinus diseases. Some patients have a blocked tear duct from birth. The entrance to the tear duct can be blocked by other causes which are not discussed here and not suitable for DCR treatment.
Your eye will then be examined by an eye surgeon, involving tests such as flushing salty water through your tear ducts using a fine tube (cannula) and examining the inside of your nose using a small thin camera (endoscope). After you have discussed your treatment options with the surgeon you may decide to proceed with the surgery. A date for the surgery will then be arranged and you will see a nurse for pre- operative assessment. You might have some routine tests, including blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
The surgery takes place through a 10-15mm cut (incision) in the side of your nose. This heals up very quickly and is rarely visible when healing is complete. You will have stitches, which are usually removed 7-14 days later. As part of the surgery, a small polythene tube (they do not assist with drainage) is positioned internally to ensure that the newly made passage remains open during the healing stage. This tube is removed after 6-12 weeks.
Endoscopic DCR is a invasive procedure to unblock tear ducts. The operation is very similar to external DCR, except there is no cut through the skin and no scar afterwards. Access is through your nose, using a small thin camera (endoscope). As with all DCR surgery, a small tube will be placed internally, positioned in the newly created passage and this will be removed after four to six weeks.
The tube might be visible just inside your nose, but do not worry if it is not visible after surgery; it will be removed during your next outpatient appointment. It is tied inside your nose and a loop can occasionally stick out from the inner corner of your eyelids. If this happens, the soft polythene tube can gently be pushed back into place.
Your doctor has recommended this treatment to reduce your symptoms of watering eye and reduce the risk of infection and the doctor believes you will benefit from the treatment. This form of surgery is generally successful with eight in ten people having significant improvement with a watering eye.
You will have a pre-operative assessment with a nurse where more information will be provided. If you are taking any medicines that thin your blood, such as antiplatelet medicines (for example aspirin or clopidogrel) or anticoagulant medicines (for example warfarin or rivaroxaban), please tell your doctor or the nurse as you may need to stop them temporarily before yoursurgery. Also tell your doctor or nurse if you have diabetes as you may need to alter the dose of your diabetes medicines, as you will need to fast before the procedure. Further information on stopping any medicines will be given to you when you come for pre-assessment. As your surgery involves general anaesthetic or sedation then you should follow these fasting instruction instructions which will be explained further in the pre-assessment clinic.
At the end of your surgery, it is usual to place a silicone tube in the new tear drainage system; the ends of the tube are inside your nose. This stays in place for one to two months. During that time, you may be aware of the tube in your nose, but you should try not to disturb it. Please try to avoid blowing your nose vigorously whilst the tube is in place, as you may dislodge it. A firm dressing will be placed over your eye, which you can remove the following morning. You will be given antibiotics with eye drops and eye ointment to use in your operated eye. It is important to wash your hands before and after using the above medication, to prevent infection. An outpatient appointment will be arranged for you.
We recommend that you have a quiet evening at home and avoid strenuous exercise for a week. You are advised not to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or take sedative drugs for 24 hours. Keep your skin wound dry and uncovered. We usually ask you to perform nasal douching (wash out) after one week for several weeks using Sterimar saline nasal spray which is available to buy from your local pharmacy. You might experience some blood-stained ooze from your nose. This usually stops after a few hours. If there is bleeding, apply an ice pack on the bridge of your nose (on the opposite side to the dressing). Wipe away any bleeding with a paper tissue/kitchen towel. If the bleeding is severe or continues for more than half an hour, seek medical advice immediately at your nearest Accident and Emergency department. If you experience pain, which is unusual, take paracetamol or codeine but not aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks as this could cause some bleeding. In order to avoid drugs containing aspirin, please read the contents of the packaging of whatever painkiller you wish to use. It is usual to have a watery eye for some weeks after surgery until the swelling and inflammation settles, and the tubes are removed. The stitches in the skin may be left in place or removed after one to two weeks, and you will be given an appointment for the outpatient clinic. Your vision may be blurred for few days and you may not be able to wear contact lenses. If it becomes very painful, red or you notice excessive discharge or bleeding, you should return to the Eye Department at St Thomas’ Hospital or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department immediately. You may want to take few days leave from work depending on your circumstances. You should not resume any strenuous activity including swimming for two weeks. It is best that someone stays with you to help you for at least a day after the treatment.
A follow-up appointment for a few days after your surgery will be booked for you before you leave the hospital.