ABSTRACT
Since the nasolacrimal duct is a continuation of the nasal mucosa, it can be assumed that the virus may invade the lacrimal tissue from the nasal mucosa. Because of this anatomical proximity and high aerosol generation, elective ocular surgeries and especially nasolacrimal surgeries are not recommended during the pandemic period6-8. [...]it was aimed to investigate the reliability of nasolacrimal duct surgeries in terms of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHODS This cross-sectional prospective study was carried out in accordance with the standards of the Helsinki declaration and approved by the Research Protocol and Ethics Committee of Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital (HNEAH-KAEK 2021/119). [...]the PCR results of NLSs and lacrimal sac swabs were evaluated for compatibility. [...]the reliability of performing DCR surgeries during the pandemic period in terms of infection was investigated. [...]the respiratory mucosa and lacrimal duct have the same sialic acid sequence, which acts as a receptor for infectious agents15. Because of these similar immunological and histological features of the nasolacrimal duct epithelium and nasal mucosa, it is possible for viruses in the nasal mucosa to pass into the nasolacrimal duct and spread the virus.