Dacryocystography – examining the tear ducts

Many different causes can lead to teary eyes but mostly the underlying issue is having dry eyes. If this potential cause has already been treated without success, the actual cause may be the tear ducts. These normally drain the tear fluid from the eye to the nose. If they are blocked or congested, the tear fluid in the eye can overflow. This problem can be diagnosed by examining the tear ducts during a dacryocystography.

Dacryocystography is a neuroradiological examination of the tear ducts and employs X-rays and contrast medium. IT is used to determine what causes teary eyes, which is not always easy. At the Department of Neuroradiology, we perform this procedure on an outpatient basis, i.e. without hospitalization.

Because the tear ducts are connected to the nose, dacryocystography can also help with nasal problems such as deviated septum, turbinate hyperplasia and nasal malformations. For example, a physician can use it to determine if the nose contributes to the problem with impaired tear drainage.

Advantages

Dacryocystography is a minimally invasive procedure. Only local anesthesia is necessary.

The course of treatment

The examination takes about 15 min and is performed under local anesthesia.

Aftercare

Dacryocystography is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that there is no need for an overnight stay in the hospital. Your ability to work is also not affected by the examination. After the examination, you will need to see an ophthalmologist for follow-up appointments. Depending on the results, you may need to be treated later at the Department of Neuroradiology (see Dacryoplasty).

Responsible senior physicians

Ulrich Lachmund, Dr. med.

Attending Physician, Department of Neuroradiology

Tel. +41 44 255 56 00

For patients

As a patient, you cannot register directly for a consultation. Please have your ophthalmologist refer you to Dr. Ulrich Lachmund. He will treat you at our clinic and is available to answer any questions you may have.

Contact form

For referring physicians

Refer your patient to Dr. Ulrich Lachmund for an appointment. At our clinic, he is responsible for treating tear ducts and is available to answer any questions you may have.

Further information
Tel. 0800 802 488
Online referral form

Responsible Department