The role of sophisticated radiological testing in the assessment and management of epiphora.

In the management of a patient with epiphora, appropriate investigation is important in arriving at the cause of obstruction, and in helping to outline a plan for management. Standard dacryocystography has been modified by utilizing the techniques of intubation, distension, macrography, and subtraction to produce optimal anatomical information. Lacrimal nuclear scanning with the addition of rapid sequence display and computer interfacings produce the most sophisticated functional information regarding tear drainage. The role of plain films and computerized tomography in lacrimal drainage pathway disease is outlined.