Lacrimal scan

A lacrimal scan is a diagnostic procedure to determine how well your nasolacrimal ducts (also known as tear ducts) are functioning and their anatomical appearance.

Your doctor may request this scan if you have dry eye syndrome or excessively watery eyes.

If there is a possibility that you are pregnant or you are currently breastfeeding please inform the department before your appointment.

Whenever possible, you should attend your appointment alone, unless you need a carer to support any additional needs.

Please allow one hour for your appointment.

A drop of radioisotope tracer will be placed into the corner of each eye using an eye dropper. It will emit gamma rays which will be detected by a piece of equipment called a gamma camera. Immediately after the drops have been placed the first set of imaging begins which takes 20 minutes.

The radioactive eye drops shouldn’t make your eyes hurt or affect your vision. It will feel no different from normal saline drops.

After the first set of images you will be asked to blow your nose and further images will be taken for 5 minutes.

These scans are undertaken with you seated in a chair with your forehead resting against the gamma camera. It is important that you remain still for this time.

Sometimes it is necessary to take further images after 30 minutes, so please allow time when coming for your appointment.

All images will be checked before you leave the department.

You do not need to undress for your scan but we will ask you to remove any contact lenses / eyeglasses.

We recommend not wearing any make up the day of your scan or removing your make up before the scan.

After the appointment you can resume all usual activities.Eat as normal and keep well hydrated.