Macrodacryocystography and echography in diagnosis of disorders of the lacrimal pathways.

The comparative advantages and limitations of macrodacryocystography and echography for evaluating disorders of the lacrimal system are discussed and illustrated. In our opinion, macrodacryocystography is superior to ultrasonography in identifying the site and the nature of anatomical and functional abnormalities and in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment after surgery. Echography, however, is particularly useful in the study of the lacrimal sac, especially if an occlusion of the common canaliculus prevents filling of the lacrimal sac, thus ruling out macrodacryocystography.