The importance of endoscopy in lacrimal surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The utilization of endoscopy in lacrimal surgeries has been increasing in the recent past with increasing indications. With the advent of newer generation of telescopes, the practice and learning of endoscopic lacrimal surgeries is expected to improve further. Areas covered: This review provides an overview about endoscope assistance in all conditions that involve pathologies of the lacrimal drainage apparatus. The authors have reviewed recently published literature on the techniques and outcomes of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in different scenarios such as acute dacryocystitis, pediatric cases, cases with sinonasal anomalies, traumatic nasolacrimal duct obstructions (NLDO) and revision DCRs. Furthermore, promising new avenues such as the 3D endoscopes, variable viewing endoscopes, dacryoendoscopes, navigation-assisted and augmented reality endoscopic lacrimal surgeries have been discussed. Expert commentary: The aim for clinicians should now move on to addressing lacrimal pathologies with traditionally less favorable outcomes and reducing the failure rates with the technological assistance. As more ophthalmology training programs include structured training modules on endoscopic lacrimal surgery, the popularity, the safety and indications of endoscopic lacrimal surgery by ophthalmologists is expected to increase.