What a DCR is
DCR stands for dacryocystorhinostomy, which is easier than it sounds: it simply means making a new connection between the tear sac and the inside of the nose. Tears normally drain from the eye, into a small sac at the inner corner, and then down a duct into the nose. When that duct becomes blocked, tears back up and the eye waters constantly, and the stagnant sac can become infected.
A DCR bypasses the blockage by creating a new opening directly from the sac into the nose, so tears can drain again. It does not unblock the old duct; it provides a new route around it.
When a DCR is needed
The usual reasons for a DCR are a persistently watering eye caused by a blocked tear duct that is troublesome enough to affect daily life, or repeated episodes of infection in the tear sac, a condition called dacryocystitis. Where infection has occurred, surgery is particularly worthwhile, as it removes the stagnant reservoir that allows infection to recur.
The procedure
There are two main approaches. An external DCR is done through a small incision beside the nose, which heals to a scar that is usually barely noticeable. An endonasal DCR is done entirely through the nostril using an endoscope, leaving no external scar. Both create the same new drainage opening, and the choice depends on the individual case. A fine soft tube, or stent, is often placed through the new passage to keep it open while it heals, and is removed painlessly in clinic some weeks later. The operation may be done under general or local anaesthetic, usually as a day case.
Recovery
Some bruising around the inner corner and a little nosebleed-type oozing in the first day or two are normal. You will usually be asked to avoid blowing your nose for a week or two and given drops or sprays to use. Most people are back to normal activities within one to two weeks. The watering often improves quickly, though it can take a little time to settle fully as the new channel heals.
Success and risks
A DCR is a well-established and highly successful operation, relieving the watering in around nine out of ten people. As with any surgery there are risks to weigh: bleeding from the nose, the small scar with the external approach, and, uncommonly, the new opening narrowing again so that the problem recurs and a further procedure is needed. Serious complications are rare. For most people troubled by a constantly watering or infected eye, it is a genuinely worthwhile operation.
Considering treatment in the North East?
Visit my private clinic →Common questions
How successful is a DCR?
It relieves the watering in around nine out of ten people, which makes it one of the more reliable operations in this area. Success is highest when the blockage is in the duct below the tear sac, which is the usual situation.
Is there a scar?
With the external approach there is a small incision beside the nose, which usually heals to a scar that is barely noticeable. The endonasal approach is done through the nostril and leaves no external scar at all.
Is a DCR done under general anaesthetic?
It can be done under either general or local anaesthetic, often as a day case, depending on the approach and what suits you. This is something decided with you before surgery.
What is the stent for?
A fine soft tube is often placed through the newly created channel to hold it open while it heals. It is not usually noticeable day to day and is removed painlessly in clinic a few weeks later.
Will my watering stop straight away?
It often improves quickly, but it can take a little time to settle completely as the new drainage channel heals and any swelling subsides. Most people notice a clear improvement within the first few weeks.
This page is for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Decisions about treatment should be made with a qualified specialist after a full assessment. Last reviewed May 2026 by Chris Matthews, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon.
