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Endoscopy of the lacrimal drainage system with miniaturized endoscopes has been possible since 1990 and permits the direct evaluation of the lacrimal drainage system. Additionally, attached instruments permit recanalization in cases of stenosis of the lacrimal drainage system. Both an Erbium-Yag Laser and a miniaturized drill are available, with which a stenosis of the lacrimal drainage system can be opened under endoscopic control. Favorable findings for endoscopic recanalization are stenoses in the area of the canaliculi or the lacrimal sac, for which the success rate of recanalization is approximately 75%. Unfavorable prognostic factors are submucous scar formations due to a dacryocystitis in the patient's history. Endoscopic findings have also improved the understanding of diseases of the lacrimal drainage system. Punctal stenoses causing epiphora often show intact mucous membranes before and behind the stenosis and it is possible to cure these patients without extensive surgical procedures. Micro-surgical procedures and dacryocystorhinostomy complete the spectrum of the endoscopic surgical possibilities in the lacrimal drainage system.

The history of the treatment of lacrimal duct stenosis dates back to the ancient world. Modern lacrimal duct surgery began with the description of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) by Toti and the endonasal procedure by West. Modifications include construction of a mucous membrane flap and the use of different instruments such as microscopes, endoscopes, and laser. This article reviews the various methods currently in use, although the analysis makes clear how difficult it is to compare studies. Because of the high success rate and the possibility of correcting multiple disturbing factors of the lacrimal drainage system, external DCR remains the gold standard for the ophthalmologist; other methods must be measured by the success rate of external DCR. The future of lacrimal duct surgery lies in a better understanding of wound healing and thus the possibility for precise modulation. Better results may be possible by combining different surgical methods. Prospective studies are urgently necessary.

Dacryoendoscopy provides an important additional diagnostic possibility in the diagnosis of diseases of the lacrimal drainage system. Dacryoendoscopy offers the possibility of direct evaluation of the mucosa, the choice of operative strategy is checked and, if necessary, changed, and with the connection of an erbium YAG Laser there is minimal invasive surgery with the aim of rechannelization of the lacrimal drainage system.