Dacryocystography (DCG)

A digital subtraction DacryoCystoGraphy (DCG) is an X-ray examination of the tear ducts. The examination is carried out if you suffer from watery eyes. During this examination, a small amount of contrast fluid is injected into both tear ducts simultaneously. In this way, it can be determined whether you suffer from a narrowing or blockage of one or both tear ducts.

What about pregnancy?

X-rays can be harmful to the unborn child. If you are pregnant or could be, discuss with your doctor whether the examination can be postponed or should be replaced by another examination. Always report this to the medical imager before the examination.

Course

Before the examination

This examination is only done by appointment in consultation with your ophthalmologist and only on the basis of a medical prescription. Please note that the investigation may start later than planned due to unforeseen circumstances.

During the examination

The examination is carried out by the ophthalmologist and a medical imager.

You are called in by a medical imager (technologist). You may keep your clothes on during the examination, but you will be asked to remove necklaces, earrings, and glasses or lenses. You will lie on your back during the examination. You will receive eye drops in both eyes to numb your eyes and enlarge the tear ducts. These drops may feel a bit burning and may cause blurred vision for a short period of time.

The opening of the tear ducts is located near the nose on the inside of the eyelid. The ophthalmologist inserts a thin cannula (catheter) into both openings of the tear ducts. After the catheters have been inserted, they are taped to your face with a plaster. Contrast fluid is injected into both tear ducts through these catheters. X-rays are taken at the same time. After the photos have been taken, both catheters are removed again.

The examination takes approximately 20 minutes.

After the examination

You should not rub your eyes for the first 2 hours after the examination. You may dab with a clean tissue.

You should not be in traffic for 3 hours after the examination because you may experience blurred vision. Therefore, you'll need a driver or taxi if you need to come by car.

The radiologist makes a report of the examination. 

After the examination, the ophthalmologist will discuss the results with you at the eye clinic.