Surgery for a Watering Eye

Watery eye is usually a sign of blocked tear ducts resulting from infection, injury, or rarely a tumor. Tear duct surgery may be performed to open or bypass the duct and allow the tears to drain directly into the nose (Dacryocystorhinostomy, or simply DCR). Tear duct surgery can be performed through a small incision in the corner of the eye or with endoscopic surgery (with a tiny microscope) through the nose. When tear duct is blocked since birth (due to non-canalization), it can lead to watering since birth.

Surgical Time and Recovery:
DCR surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure under general or local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes. Discomfort is minimal after surgery, and lasts for a week. Stitches are removed in 5-7 days. Most patients are back to light work within a week.
Probing procedure is performed when tear duct is blocked since birth. It is performed as a short out-patient procedure, and does not leave any external scar.

Note:
DCR performed through the nose (endonasal) can avoid a scar, but also has a slightly lower success rate as compared to the external approach. Along with DCR, additional procedures like silicone intubation, and the use of anti-scarring medicines like Mitomycin-C may be used to increase the success rate of the procedure.
Not all tear duct blocks can be treated with DCR. Some require addition placement of silicone tubes, and others need a different bypass called a Jones tube.

Insurance:
Health insurance will cover the costs of a DCR surgery.

Other Procedures:
Other commonly performed reconstructive procedures include correction of Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty), Entropion, Ectropion, Eyelid Drooping, Eyelid and Skin cancer reconstruction, Facial Spasms, Facial Paralysis, Thyroid Eye Disease, Orbital Surgery, and Trauma and Maxillofacial Surgery.