AIM:To study the application value of magnetic resonance hydrography(MRH)technology in diagnosis, treatment and prognostic evaluation of epiphora.

METHODS: Before treatment, 40 patients(52 eyes)with epiphora underwent MRH examination, flushing and probing of lacrimal ducts to ascertain the causes of lacrimal duct obstruction, and identify the local anatomical changes and dysfunction. Then a individualized treatment plan was developed on the basis of comprehensive analysis of the aforementioned examination results. And then, after the operation, the therapeutic effect was evaluated by reexamination of MRH and flushing and probing of lacrimal ducts.

RESULTS: Ten of all enrolled patients(14 eyes)had functional epiphora, the remaining 30(38 eyes)had lacrimal duct obstruction. MRH examination showed that the level of obstruction was located in lacrimal canaliculus(9 cases 9 eyes), ductus nasolacrimalis(18 cases 26 eyes), lacrimal canaliculus plus ductus nasolacrimalis(3 cases 3 eyes), and some dacryocysts of the disersed side were dilated and deformed in varying degrees. The results from ophthalmological examination and combined examination of flushing and probing of lacrimal ducts showed that some could be touched scleroid block(3 cases 3 eyes)and some soft tissue of lacrimal punct area were red and swollen(3 cases 3 eyes). There were three kinds of secretions, including purulent, serous and mucous, from flushing of lacrimal ducts. Three different surgical programs had been formulated by combining all the inspection information. Postoperative MRH showed that the lacrimal ducts had been unobstructed and the dacryocystis had been narrowed in varying degrees.

CONCLUSION: A comprehensive analysis of the inspection information was taken from MRH and the results from flushing and probing of lacrimal ducts, and combined the individual patient's condition, the ophthalmologists formulated some differentiated and individualized surgical programs, and evaluated the curative effect. According to the study, we have provided a set of safe, accurate and practical methods of inspecting the lacrimal duct obstruction and evaluating their curative effect.