AIM: To investigate the effects on patients with chronic dacryocystitis treated with three methods: external dacryocystorhinostomy(EDCR), intranasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(IEDCR)and Nd:YAG laser dacryoplasty, and to explore the best operation method.

METHODS:Totally 182 cases(202 eyes)were randomly divided into three groups, using EDCR, IEDCR and Nd:YAG laser dacryoplasty respectively, postoperative follow- up lasted 6-24months.

RESULTS: The success rate of three groups were 93.9%, 92.3% and 71.1% respectively. There was not significant difference between group EDCR and group IEDCR(P>0.05). There was significant difference between group Nd:YAG laser dacryoplasty and other two groups(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: EDCR and IEDCR are effective methods. Especially IEDCR is minimal invasive technique and worthy of promotion and application.