External
DCR.
Your Comfort, Your Care
Having constantly watery eyes can be incredibly frustrating. Ordinarily, your eyes produce tears to stay lubricated, and these should drain away naturally into your nose through the tear drainage system. When this delicate system becomes blocked, you might experience constant tearing, blurred vision, sticky eyelids, or uncomfortable itching. In most instances, watery eyes resolve on their own, but when they do not, it is important to find out why.
I believe that good care starts with simply listening to you. It is never about a doctor telling you what to do; it is entirely about understanding what is bothering you and what you would like to improve. My absolute priority is to provide a safe space where you feel genuinely heard and validated.
If simple at-home measures or treatments for underlying causes like dry eyes have not resolved the issue, we can discuss surgical options. External Dacryocystorhinostomy (external DCR) is a highly effective operation designed to bypass a blocked tear duct. It creates a completely new passage for your tears to drain from the tear sac directly into the nose, allowing them to flow normally again.
When we meet, we will take the time to discuss your symptoms and examine your eyes carefully. We will talk through exactly what can be achieved with this surgery, ensuring you have all the clear, honest information you need. We will only move forward when you feel completely comfortable and ready.
"True care means putting my ego aside to listen to what is bothering you, so that together we can safely restore the comfort and natural harmony of your eyes."
Dr. Swan KangYour Journey at a Glance
Exploring Your Options
Together
The tear duct is a vital part of your eye's drainage system, designed to carry tears away from the surface of your eye and into your nasal cavity. When this becomes blocked, tears cannot flow away as they should, leading to the watering and discomfort you may be experiencing.
We usually consider an external Dacryocystorhinostomy when gentle, conservative treatments like warm compresses, eyelid massage, and topical antibiotics have not been enough to resolve the problem and provide you with relief.
The surgery typically takes about an hour and is most often performed as a day case under general anaesthetic. If a general anaesthetic is not the safest option for you, we can also perform the operation using local anaesthesia. We will discuss this thoroughly beforehand so you know exactly what to expect.
During the operation, I will create a new pathway for your tears by making a delicate connection between the tear sac and the inside of your nose. This involves removing a tiny piece of bone to allow tears to flow freely again. A very fine tube is placed inside to keep this new passage open while you heal, which we will simply remove after a few months.
Recovering from an external DCR is generally very manageable and well-tolerated. You might notice some mild swelling, bruising, and a bit of discomfort around the side of your nose, but these effects usually fade away within a few weeks.
This is a highly effective, well-established procedure with a low risk of complications. Most importantly, it offers excellent long-term relief. The vast majority of patients see a wonderful improvement in their symptoms, enjoying freedom from constant tearing and a significantly lower risk of eye infections.
The best way forward is simply to have a chat. Every patient is different, and the right approach depends entirely on your unique situation, your anatomy, and what you want to achieve. My role is to listen to your concerns and give you clear, honest advice.
If you have more questions or just want to talk through your options in a comfortable, pressure-free setting, please reach out to us to schedule a personal consultation.
MORE QUESTIONS? PLEASE BOOK A CONSULTATION
Cosmetic
5.0/5
"I was extremely happy with the service provided."
"They were quick to provide an appointment.
I received a clear picture of my situation and choices.
We had an open and friendly discussion."
"Dr. Swan Kang was very thorough with all my eye issues and went further to track down my glaucoma history with Moorfields NHS. She was very friendly, highly professional, and explained clearly what would be involved with the upper eyelid surgery. She spent a lot of time understanding my background health history. I was very happy with my first consultation appointment."
"Dr. Kang is a real professional and a good listener who takes the time to explain everything about your operation.
Also, her aftercare is second to none."
"Communication was excellent, and the procedure was explained in great detail. The follow-up was great, too."
"A highly professional, first-class practitioner. The advice, procedure, and aftercare could not have been better."
"An excellent surgeon with a kind, approachable personality."
"She was brilliant; she reassured me, and I felt instantly at ease."
"She was really helpful and explained the process and expectations. I am only three days post-op and am pleased with the results so far. I highly recommend her."
"Ms. Kang and her team, Frederick and Andres, were all exceptional. They were professional but friendly, and cheerful while remaining well within the bounds of professionalism. I found them to be very helpful and truly felt they all cared about how I was coping with the experience."
Functional
5.0/5
"Dr. Kang has been there with me every step of this journey. Thank you to her!"
"Dr. Kang took the time to explain what was about to happen and the expected results. She listened to my questions, responded thoroughly, and made sure I was comfortable with her feedback."
"Really great experience."
"Dr. Kang was incredibly thorough, understanding, and kind."
"Everything was very good."
"I had a very good experience.
I would recommend Miss Kang; she listens and explains instructions clearly."
"I had two appointments with Miss Swan Kang to treat a stubborn chalazion on my eyelid. Miss Kang diagnosed the lump and my eyelid skin condition using a microscope and carefully explained the mechanics of how the eyelid and meibomian glands work. The options for treatment were well elaborated. Miss Kang's medical approach is empathetic. I felt respected and trusted throughout the process. My condition improved after the first consultation, and no surgery was needed."
"Really impressed with Dr. Swan."
"Do not worry or be anxious; you will be in expert hands!"
"She is lovely and corrected more issues during my eye surgery than I knew were there. The follow-up was good."
"Everything was well organised and efficient."
Arrange a
Consultation
Take the first step towards exceptional care. Reach out directly via phone or email, or securely book your appointment online.
