Ocular surface microbiota changes after external dacryocystorhinostomy: a “chicken or egg” problem

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the ocular surface and nasal microbiota after external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in patients with unilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Methods: This prospective study included 68 eyes of 34 patients. Prior to external DCR, nasal and conjunctival smears were obtained from the affected eye and healthy contralateral eye. Results: Ocular surface cultures were positive in 19 (55.9%) of the NLDO eyes and 4 (11.8%) of the healthy eyes (p[removed]