Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is blocked tear duct surgery?
Blocked tear duct surgery, most commonly dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), creates a new opening between the tear sac and the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked section of the tear duct so tears can drain freely. The procedure is performed under general or local anaesthetic with sedation and typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Most patients go home the same day.
In some cases, balloon catheter dilation may be considered as an alternative, which widens the tear duct using a small inflatable catheter rather than creating a new opening. Your consultant will advise on the most appropriate approach based on the severity and cause of your blockage. Our specialist oculoplastic surgeons perform blocked tear duct surgery at our Eye Clinic in St John’s Wood (NW8), treating patients from across London.
Who is blocked tear duct surgery suitable for?
Blocked tear duct surgery is typically recommended when:
- You have persistent watery eyes (epiphora) that have not resolved with other treatments
- You are experiencing recurrent eye infections or discharge due to tear duct obstruction
- Swelling or a lump has developed near the inner corner of the eye (dacryocystitis)
- A blocked tear duct has been confirmed by a specialist and is causing significant symptoms
Your consultant will assess your symptoms and may perform tests such as tear duct irrigation or imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best surgical approach.
How Much Does Private Blocked Tear Duct Surgery Cost?
from £2,175*
The cost of private blocked tear duct surgery starts from £2,175* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently asked questions about blocked tear duct surgery
Before surgery, you will receive specific instructions from your consultant. In general, stop blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin in advance as directed; use a nasal decongestant spray in the days before surgery to reduce inflammation; if a general anaesthetic is used, fast from midnight before the day of surgery; stop smoking before the procedure if you smoke, as this affects healing. Your doctor will provide full pre-operative guidelines at your consultation.
The most common procedure is dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), in which the surgeon creates a new opening between the tear sac and the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked tear duct. In some cases, a thin stent (tube) is temporarily placed to keep the new pathway open while it heals. The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and is performed under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation. Most patients return home the same day.
After surgery, your eye may be sore, swollen or bruised for a few days. You will be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Avoid blowing your nose for at least one week to prevent pressure on the new tear duct opening, and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. A follow-up appointment will be arranged within a few weeks to check healing and, if a stent was placed, to remove it. Full recovery typically takes four to six weeks.
Blocked tear duct surgery is generally safe and effective. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, nasal congestion and, in rare cases, incomplete relief of symptoms requiring further treatment. Your consultant will discuss these risks with you before surgery so you can make an informed decision.
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.