Constant watering from one eye can be more than an inconvenience. When tears cannot drain normally through the tear drainage pathway, they may overflow onto the face and, in some patients, contribute to recurrent infection around the tear sac. DCR surgery is one treatment used for selected cases of tear-duct obstruction.
DCR stands for dacryocystorhinostomy. The procedure creates a new drainage pathway between the tear sac and the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked section of the normal nasolacrimal drainage system.
Not everyone with watery eyes needs DCR surgery. Excessive tearing can occur for several reasons, including eye-surface irritation, eyelid problems, excessive tear production, or narrowing at different levels of the drainage pathway. The first step is therefore confirming that tear drainage obstruction is responsible for the symptoms.
Patients may be considered for DCR when they experience persistent watering due to an appropriate type of obstruction, recurrent infection of the tear sac, swelling near the inner corner of the eye, or troublesome discharge associated with the drainage system.
DCR may be performed through an external approach or through the nose using an endoscopic approach. Endoscopic DCR avoids a skin incision because the surgical pathway is approached from inside the nasal cavity. However, the appropriate method depends on individual anatomy, the level of obstruction, previous procedures, associated nasal conditions, and the treating team's assessment.
People considering DCR surgery in Mumbai should be prepared to discuss:
- How long the watering has been present
- Whether one or both eyes are affected
- Previous episodes of swelling or infection
- Previous eye or nasal surgery
- Nasal blockage or sinus symptoms
- Current medicines and relevant medical conditions
- Previous treatment for tear-duct obstruction
Because the new drainage opening communicates with the nose, postoperative nasal care may form part of recovery. A small tube or stent may be used in selected cases. Follow-up helps assess healing and the newly created drainage pathway.
Dr. Navalakhe ENT Clinic in Mumbai, Maharashtra, can assess nasal and ENT factors relevant to endoscopic DCR and determine the appropriate treatment pathway in coordination with the clinical requirements of the tear-drainage problem.
Patients should also understand that watering does not automatically prove that the tear duct is blocked. Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary procedures and helps distinguish drainage obstruction from other causes of excessive tearing.
For someone deciding whether they are ready to explore DCR, persistent symptoms despite appropriate evaluation, recurrent tear-sac infection, and confirmed drainage obstruction are important indicators for a detailed surgical discussion.
The aim is not merely to stop visible tears but to restore an effective drainage route when obstruction has been properly identified.
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