[How did lacrimal endoscopy influence lacrimal surgery?]

Lacrimal surgery has been characterised by multiple rapid changes within the last 20 years. The understanding of the development and existence of lacrimal stenoses has changed considerably. New morphological (endoscopy of the lacrimal system) and anatomic-functional aspects have been added. In the field of surgery the frequency of DCR has dropped within the last years, but still, with proper indications, this method has its significance, as well as irrigation of the lacrimal system. On the other hand microendoscopic canalicular surgery has been almost fully replaced by microendoscopic transcanalicular laser dacryoplasty and microdrill dacryoplasty. For the surgical treatment of injuries of the lacrimal system no changes have been implemented. As a spin-off effect from gastroduodenoscopy and ERCP superfine endoscopes have been developed, and have opened the possibility to inspect the mucosa and directly evaluate the lumen of the lacrimal system. Following the development of laser dacryoplasty and microdrill dacryoplasty as well as miniaturised drill systems, surgery can be performed less invasively today. Future developments of lacrimal surgery will be strongly influenced by the ongoing developments of microendoscopic transcanalicular techniques and modulation in wound healing.