Assessment and Treatment of Tear Drainage Disorders
Understanding Tear Drainage Problems
The naso-lacrimal system is essential for normal tear drainage from the eye into the nasal cavity. When this pathway becomes narrowed or obstructed, tears can no longer flow properly, leading to watering (epiphora), infection, or chronic discomfort.
Our clinic provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of tear drainage disorders, including lacrimal syringing and dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), to restore proper tear flow and protect ocular health.
Symptoms of Tear Drainage Dysfunction
- Persistent watering or excessive tearing
- Sticky or mucous discharge
- Recurrent conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis
- Tender swelling near the inner corner of the eye
- Blurred vision due to tear overflow
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Conditions We Treat
Lacrimal Duct Obstruction (Partial or Complete)
What is it?
A narrowing or blockage in the tear drainage channel that prevents normal tear flow.
What’s happening in the eye?
Tears build up on the ocular surface or within the lacrimal sac, leading to overflow, discomfort, and infection.
Common Symptoms
- Constant watering
- Discharge or infection
- Swelling near the nasal bridge
Why it matters
If untreated, obstruction can lead to chronic dacryocystitis, infection, and long-term drainage damage.
Dacryocystitis
What is it?
Inflammation or infection of the lacrimal sac, commonly caused by tear duct blockage
What’s happening in the eye?
Tears and bacteria accumulate behind the blockage, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness.
Common Symptoms
- Painful lump near the inner corner of the eye
- Redness and discharge
- Localised swelling or cellulitis
Why it matters
Prompt management prevents recurrent infection and protects surrounding tissue from damage.
Download The Harley Street Eye Centre Information Pack
For detailed information on naso-lacrimal evaluation, procedure options, and post-operative care, download our Tear Drainage Treatment Brochure below.
It includes procedure diagrams, preparation guidelines, and aftercare instructions for both syringing and DCR surgery.
Years helping people see better
Patients treated
Years of experience for our lead surgeon
Conditions We Treat
Lacrimal Syringing (Irrigation)
A simple diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to test and clear partial obstructions.
- Performed under topical anaesthesia
- Uses sterile saline to assess duct patency
- Can provide immediate relief in mild cases
Indications:
- Mild or intermittent watering
- Suspected partial duct narrowing
- Post-infective assessment
Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)
A surgical procedure that creates a new tear drainage passage between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked duct.
- Can be external (through a small skin incision) or endoscopic (through the nasal passage)
- Usually performed as a day-case under local or general anaesthesia
- Proven high success rates for long-term tear drainage restoration
Indications:
- Complete naso-lacrimal duct obstruction
- Recurrent dacryocystitis
- Failed conservative management
Does This Sound Like You?
You may benefit from lacrimal assessment or treatment if you:
Which Treatment Is Right For You?
| Condition / Indication | Lacrimal Syringing | Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) |
|---|---|---|
| Partial obstruction | ✅ | ❌ |
| Intermittent watering | ✅ | ❌ |
| Complete blockage | ❌ | ✅ |
| Chronic infection | ❌ | ✅ |
| Failed previous syringing | ❌ | ✅ |
International Patients
We welcome patients from the UK and overseas seeking advanced care for tear drainage disorders.
Virtual pre-assessment and coordinated treatment planning are available to ensure continuity of care from consultation through to surgery and follow-up.
How Much Do Naso-Lacrimal Treatments Cost?
Our fees are transparent and inclusive of consultation, treatment planning, and procedural care.
- Lacrimal Syringing / Irrigation: from £450 per eye
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): individually costed depending on surgical complexity and approach
A personalised quotation and full treatment plan are provided following your initial assessment.
Comprehensive
Eligibility
Assessment
From
£750 to £5,000
Per Eye
Flexible
Installments
0% Interest
Your Patient Journey
At Harley Street Eye Centre in London, your care is consultant-led and tailored to your vision, lifestyle and goals. From first enquiry through consultation, diagnosis and treatment, we explain every step in plain language and agree a plan together. Our clinic at 22a Harley Street combines advanced diagnostics and modern laser/surgical technology with clear aftercare and long-term monitoring where needed (e.g., keratoconus, glaucoma, retina). Use the tabs to see what happens at each stage — from booking to recovery — and what to expect on the day. When you’re ready, book a consultation or call our team.
We’re here to listen first. Tell us what’s bothering you, how it affects your day, and what you’d like to achieve. Our team will guide you to the most suitable consultant and appointment type at Harley Street Eye Centre.
- Share your symptoms, history and goals
- Quick suitability check for key treatments
- Advice on records to bring (glasses Rx, letters, scans)
- Appointment scheduled at a convenient time
- Clear confirmation with directions and next steps
We’re excited to see you at your appointment. Ask us anything — about treatments, the clinic, timings or fees. Our goal is to help you regain your independence and live life free from visual limitations.
- Discuss your eye health goals and lifestyle needs
- Full eye examination by a consultant ophthalmologist
- Vision testing and treatment eligibility assessment
- Diagnostic scans if required (e.g., OCT, topography, biometry)
- Start a personalised treatment plan and timeline
After reviewing your results, your consultant explains the findings in plain language and outlines safe, evidence-based options. You’ll make an informed decision together.
- Clear explanation of your diagnosis and prognosis
- Side-by-side comparison of suitable treatments (incl. non-surgical)
- Benefits, risks and expected recovery times discussed
- Transparent pricing and payment options explainedWritten summary of the agreed plan
You’ll be welcomed by our clinical team, who will conduct final checks and ensure your comfort throughout. Most procedures are quick with minimal downtime.
- Arrival, consent review and last-minute questions answered
- Pre-op measurements confirmed; anaesthetic drops if needed
- Consultant-delivered procedure using modern technology
- Immediate post-op checks and tailored aftercare instructions
- Safe journey-home guidance and contact details for support
Good outcomes rely on good aftercare. We’ll review your progress, fine-tune any medications as needed, and be available to provide advice if you require it between visits.
- Scheduled follow-ups to monitor healing and vision
- Symptom checklist and when to get in touch
- Medication/use of drops reviewed and adjusted
- Activity guidance (work, driving, exercise, screen time)
- Direct access to our team for reassurance and queries