DCR (Dacrocystorhinostomy)
A growth that starts on the clear tissue of the eye that can spread to the cornea. The noncancerous, triangular growth may occur on one or both eyes. It’s more common in people who spend a lot of time in the sun, such as those who work outdoors. The painless growth may be slightly raised and contain obvious blood vessels. It may cause irritation and possibly affect vision. Treatment usually isn’t necessary. Eye drops or surgery may help in severe cases.
Symptoms
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A dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is a surgery that creates a new path for tears to drain between your eyes and your nose.
Symptoms include: -
Tearing.
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Discharge from the eye.
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Pain at the tear duct or surrounding area.
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Causes of a Blocked Tear Duct
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In most cases, the cause of a blocked tear duct is not known. Other times, the blockage can be caused by health problems such as:
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Anatomical problems you were born with
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Chronic nasal and sinus inflammation
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Obstruction from a tumor
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Trauma to the nose
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Conjunctivitis
Treatments
DCR Through the Skin (External Procedure)
During an external DCR, your oculoplastic surgeon creates an opening from the lacrimal sac to your nasal cavity. The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin, in the area under your eye and next to your nose. Through this incision, your surgeon creates a small opening in the bone beneath. This opening then connects your lacrimal sac and your nasal cavity. The surgeon leaves a small tube there to help keep the new tear duct open.
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Endoscopic DCR (Minimally Invasive)
During an endoscopic DCR, the sinus surgeon works together with the eye surgeon to bypass the tear duct by creating a new opening directly from the lacrimal sac to your nasal cavity. Going through the nasal passage under endoscopic vision, the sinus surgeon creates an opening in the bone that overlies the lacrimal sac. A connection is then created between the lacrimal sac and your nasal cavity. The ophthalmic plastic surgeon usually places a small tube there to help keep the new tear duct open.