LASER DCR

Laser DCR is a state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedure used to correct blockages of the natural drainage system of the eye. It offers several advantages over the conventional surgical approach especially for the elderly as it is a quick, safe and relatively painless procedure. In this procedure, numbing anaesthetic drops are instilled in the eye. A small probe is inserted into the punctum (the natural small openings on the lid margin which drain the tears), advanced till it reaches the drainage sac and the laser filament threaded through the probe. Direct visualisation of the laser tip through an endoscopic closed circuit television system helps the surgeon to fire the laser at the obstruction in the drainage passage to relieve it. Laser DCR is a simple and extremely short procedure taking only a few minutes for completion- on an average 5 to 10 minutes. There is no visible scar as no skin incision is required for the procedure. Laser DCR is associated with virtually no pain or bleeding as it is a minimally invasive procedure with the least trauma to the tissues. It needs no anesthesia (injection) and can be performed with anaesthetic drops itself. Laser DCR is also a much safer treatment option especially for the aged as it can be performed as an outpatient surgery and generates minimal intra and post surgical morbidity. This procedure is also associated with a lower recurrence rate.