Dacryocystorhinostomy is a type of surgery that is performed to unblock a damaged tear duct in adults by making a tear drain between the eye and nose. One of the functions of eyelids is to drain tears through two small openings in the eye when blinking. The lacrimal sac is the area where old tear will move into by a small tube, and it will lead to the tear duct. After the tear passes through some bony structure, it will be drained into the nasal cavity. When patients developed dacryocystorhinostomy, there would be a blockage in the drainage system, which causes abnormal discharge from the eye. In some cases, the existence of the obstruction can lead to infection. There are several health-associated reasons for the occurrence of a blocked tear duct:

• Chronic sinus infection
• Tumour obstruction.
• Nasal trauma.
• Nose polyps

The surgery is performed to relieve symptoms of blocked tear duct which includes excessive watering in the eye, swelling around the eye, and the feeling of irritation in the eye. DCR surgery is most common in adults than in children, and before the condition becomes severe, the doctor may recommend warm compresses, massage, and antibiotics. However, accurate treatment is dependent on each patient’s condition, and as a result, various treatments or surgery may be advised.

Before undergoing this operation, patients may be required to stop taking any medication. Also, patients should not eat anything for six hours before the surgery. More importantly, the doctor will advise the below tests to assess the health of the nasal.

• Taking a CT scan of the nasal passage.
• Taking MRI imaging from the nasal passage.

Like any other procedure, there are some risks involved with dacryocystorhinostomy surgery: 

• Abnormal fusing in the nose tissue.
• Sent displacement in the duct.
• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection.
• Lasting facial scar.

Patients should keep in mind that according to the age, health condition, and the DCR surgery types, risks will be different.

As discussed, the approaches to DCR surgery may vary based on each patient’s condition; therefore, the below description will provide information regarding the external method to DCR. Doctors who have experience in ophthalmic plastic surgery will perform this type of surgery. The procedure can be performed either under general or local anesthetic which will be decided based on the patient condition or preference and by the examination of the doctor. The doctor will make a small incision between the area of eye and noise. After the exposure of the tissue, the doctor will make a tiny hole beneath the bone to create a new pathway between the lacrimal sac and the nose. Following the opening up of the passage, a sent will be placed to help keep the passage open, and the incision site will be closed at the end.

• Patients may need to fill their nose with packing material to prevent any possible bleeding.
• Patients should arrange for someone to take them home after the procedure.
• It is essential to take antibiotics to prevent any infection.
• Patients should follow the doctor’s instructions on how to rinse their nasal cavity.
• Patients are required to avoid strenuous activities.
• Follow up appointments with the doctor to check the healing process is required.
• Patients should contact the doctor if they have any bleeding or swelling.
• The sent can be removed after a few months of the surgery.

Performing various eye surgery in Iran is quite affordable for many patients who want to continue their medication with one of the skilled Iranian surgeons or doctors. Iran sub-specialty hospitals have created the perfect condition for foreign patients to receive their desired treatment. Each year in Iran, numerous eye procedures are performed across various major cities which due to the level of surgical experience of Iranian surgeons, the success rate without severe complication is quite substantial. Moreover, three prominent reasons that compel foreign patients to travel to Iran to have their surgery or to find suitable treatments are cost, specialized doctors, and well-equipped hospitals.