The lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct are surrounded by a wide cavernous system of veins and arteries, and the blood vessels of the cavernous body are innnervated by the autonomic nervous system. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an adrenergic agonist on the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system.

Dacryocystography was performed on 35 patients with only epiphora and not nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The anteroposterior (AP) diameters and the oblque diameters of the nasolacrimal ducts were measured. Next, 18 patients were infused with 0.5 ml Alphagan-P® (α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist), 17 patients were infused with 0.5 ml DL methylephedrine hydrochloride (α-1 and α-2 adrenergic receptor agonist), and dacryocystography was performed again to determine the change in the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system.

The α-adrenergics caused a significant increase in the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system, and the changes were more pronounced in the nasolacrimal duct than in the lacrimal sac. Although the nasolacrimal duct widening was more notable in the Alphagan-P® infusion group than the DL methylephedrine hydrochloride infusion group, there was no significant statistical difference. Patients' subjective symptoms improved in both groups.

The α-adrenergics constrict the blood vessels of the cavernous body, leading to the increase in the lumen width of the nasolacrimal drainage system. This effect was more significant in the Alphagan-P® infusion group. In conclusion, infusion of α-adrenergics in patients with functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction can be considered as an alternative to surgical management.