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 listening deeply to what is bothering you, so we can find the right solution to improve your comfort together."
- Dr. Swan Kang
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.
"Dr Kang is a real professional, a good listener and takes time explaining everything about your operation. Also her aftercare is second to none."
"She is lovely and corrected more things in my eye surgery than I knew were there. Follow up was good."
"A highly professional, first-class practitioner. The advice, procedure, and aftercare could not have been better."
"Outstanding attention to detail. My results are beautifully natural, and the entire surgical journey felt exceptionally well-supported."
Take the first step towards exceptional care. Reach out directly via phone or email, or securely book your appointment online.
