_Third step._ A style is passed down the dilated duct. The lower end of the style should rest upon the floor of the nose, otherwise there is a tendency for the style to slip into the duct and disappear. Care should be taken that the upper end does not rub on the globe. Styles should generally be left in position from three to six months. A style should at first be made of lead wire and moulded until a suitable pattern is obtained, from which a hollow gold style can be made subsequently. =Complications.= 1. _Dacrocystitis_ may follow the insertion of a style, which should then be removed until the inflammation has subsided. 2. _The style may slip down the duct._ If this should occur an attempt should be made to grasp it through the slit canaliculus. The lower end may present in the nose and the style can then be withdrawn with forceps. Occasionally styles lodge in the antrum of Highmore, in which case they must be removed after localization by the X-rays through an opening from the mouth above the canine tooth. OPERATIONS FOR THE OBLITERATION OF THE CANALS When syringing and probing have failed to relieve the lachrymal obstruction, one of the following operations for the obliteration of the lachrymal passages may be employed. OBLITERATION OF THE CANALICULI =Indications.= In cases of lachrymal obstruction in which an immediate operation upon the globe is required. =Operation.= Under cocaine. Fine sutures armed with a small curved needle are passed beneath both the upper and lower can[al]iculus and tied so as to include them in the ligature. Permanent obliteration may be caused by the destruction of the lining membrane with the actual cautery. EXCISION OF THE LACHRYMAL SAC =Indications.= (i) For mucocele in cases of lachrymal obstruction which have failed to yield to other treatment. (ii) In all cases of tuberculous disease of the sac. (iii) For a recurrent lachrymal abscess after subsidence of the acute inflammation. (iv) For hypopyon ulcer associated with lachrymal obstruction. (v) Before operation on the globe in cases of lachrymal obstruction. (vi) For lachrymal fistula. =Instruments.= Small scalpel, forceps, Muller’s speculum (Fig. 166), Axenfeld’s retractor (Fig. 167), straight scissors, horsehair sutures.