What Is the Treatment for Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction?
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction impairs the normal drainage of tears from the eye into the nasal cavity. When the condition persists, a surgical approach is indicated to restore effective tear outflow.
Treatment Approach
The primary surgical intervention creates an alternative drainage route directly between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity — bypassing the obstructed duct. The procedure can be performed via an external approach or through an endonasal route; technique selection depends on clinical and anatomical factors detailed in the full protocol.
Complete procedural guidance, technique selection criteria, and the full structured protocol are available via the link below.
References
DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2004.12.004
- When the condition persists, it can be treated by dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), a procedure that creates an alternative route for tears to drain by connecting the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity.
- This procedure can be performed either through external DCR or endonasal DCR.
- An external DCR procedure involves making an incision on the side of the nasal bridge, while an endonasal DCR involves operating inside the nasal cavity with or without an endoscope or operating microscope.
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