Dacrocystogram

This is a special radiographic test to see if there is blockage of the tear canals. Radiographic dye is injected into the tear canal and then radiographic pictures are taken to determine if the duct is blocked or if there is free flow of tears from the eye into the nose. It is a simple procedure which causes no pain and no risk of damage to the eyes or tear ducts. A few drops of a local anesthetic are instilled into the eye. A thin probe is placed into the opening of tear duct in the medial portion of the lower eye lid. A small amount of fluid is injected through the tear duct and X-ray images are taken. During injection the fluid may cause some trickling in the back of the mouth and there may be a bitter taste in the mouth. The test does not affect eye sight and the patient may drive immediately after the test is performed.

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