To assess whether any simple, easily performed and minimally invasive procedure may help the symptoms of patients with functional nasolacrimal obstruction without recourse to elaborate investigation or major surgery. A randomised study was performed to assess the success of retropunctal cautery (RPC) and one-snip punctoplasty in this condition.In the absence of any cause for excess lacrimation, eyelid malposition or nasolacrimal obstruction, patients underwent either syringing alone (group A, n = 15) or syringing with RPC and a one-snip punctoplasty (group B, n = 15).Three months after treatment, six patients in group A were improved, compared with 13 in group B (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.0096).We would recommend that patients who suffer from a pump or functional nasolacrimal obstruction should receive RPC and a one-snip punctoplasty following the demonstration of a patent system on syringing. These simple procedures would not impair further investigation or lacrimal surgery if required in the future.