Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a radiology
investigation called a dacrocystogram. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
A dacrocystogram is an X-ray examination done to view the tear ducts which are small tubes which drain tears from the eye into the nose. Contrast (iodine containing X-ray dye) is introduced through a small tube placed into the tear duct to allow the ducts to be visualized on X-rays. This test is excellent at identifying obstruction within the ducts or inflammation of the gland.
Before your appointment
Please let us know if:
- there is any possibility you may be pregnant.
- you have limited mobility and / or requiring a hoist
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
When you attend please do not wear contact lenses or eye make-up.
There is no other preparation for this examination, you may eat and drink normally. Continue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
The Radiology / X-Ray Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. You should follow the directions from the main hospital entrance. On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy.
Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you. The Radiology Department can be very busy, please bring only one relative or friend with you.
The Examination
Your procedure will be performed by a Radiologist who will be working alongside a
Radiographer. You will be asked to lie on your back on the x-ray table and firstly have x-rays taken of your eye area. A thin plastic tube is inserted into the small hole, in the corner of your eye, through which tears drain. When the tube is in place a small amount of contrast (x-ray dye) is inserted whilst x-rays are taken. You may experience a bitter taste at this point.
Further images are taken and the tube is removed. The examination is not normally painful although you may experience slight discomfort in the eye.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities. The procedure may temporarily affect your vision, please ensure your vision has returned to normal before driving.
Results
The results of the examination will be sent to the consultant or specialist screening
practitioner who referred you. This can take up to 4 weeks.
Risks
X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.1
Approval date:
2 October 2024
Review date:
2 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.