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Home Patients' Zone Patient Leaflets Blocked Tear Duct and DCR Surgery

Blocked Tear Duct and DCR Surgery

Treating a constantly watering eye

Tears normally drain through two tiny openings at the inner corner of the eyelids, into the tear sac and down a duct into the nose. If this duct is blocked, tears overflow down the cheek, and the stagnant tears in the sac can become infected (dacryocystitis), causing a painful swelling and sticky discharge.

Causes of a watering eye

  • Blocked tear duct (common in middle-aged and older women)
  • Dry eye, which paradoxically causes reflex watering
  • Eyelid turning in or out, or loose lower lids
  • Blepharitis and allergies
  • In babies, a common delay in the duct opening: see congenital tear duct blockage

Tests

The doctor examines the lids and may syringe the tear duct: a small amount of saline is flushed through the lower opening. If it reaches the throat the duct is open; if it comes back out, there is a block.

DCR surgery

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) creates a new drainage path from the tear sac directly into the nose, bypassing the blockage. It is done under local or general anaesthesia.

  • External DCR: through a small cut on the side of the nose, which usually heals to a faint line. Success about 90%.
  • Endoscopic DCR: done through the nostril with a camera, leaving no skin scar, with similar success in experienced hands.
  • A fine silicone tube may be left in place for a few weeks and then removed in the clinic.

After surgery

  • Do not blow your nose for 1 to 2 weeks; sneeze with the mouth open.
  • A little nose bleeding is common in the first day or two. Sleep with the head raised.
  • Use the antibiotic drops and nasal spray as prescribed; stitches (if any) are removed after a week.
  • Avoid heavy lifting and hot drinks for a few days.

Contact us urgently if

  • Heavy nose bleeding that does not stop with pressure
  • Increasing swelling, redness or fever

Frequently asked questions

Can a blocked tear duct be cleared without surgery?

Syringing can help in some partial blocks, but a complete block in adults usually needs DCR.

Is DCR surgery painful?

It is done under anaesthesia. Afterwards there is mild pain and a blocked nose for a few days.

Will the watering stop immediately?

Many people notice improvement within days; it can take a few weeks as swelling settles.

What if I leave a blocked duct untreated?

Watering continues and repeated infections can occur. A swelling at the inner corner that does not empty should be checked.

Related: Oculoplasty Treatment Ahmedabad, Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Massage, Probing and When to Refer, Dry Eye Treatment in Ahmedabad.

This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.

Questions about this?

Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.

+91 70169 12180

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