ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the satety and effectiveness of lacrimal trephination and balloon dilatation in treatment of obstruction of the lacrimal canaliculus. METHODS: Lacrimal trephination and subsequent balloon dilation was performed in 7 eyes of 7 consecutive patients with epiphora due to lacrimal canalicular obstruction and common canalicular obstruction. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 50.3 years old and the average follow-up period was 17.7 months. Anatomical success was 7 of 7 eyes (100%) and functional success , resolution of epiphora was 5 of 7 eyes (71%) CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal trephination and subsequent ballooning canaliculoplasty in treatment of obstruction of the lacrimal canaliculus seems to be safe and valuable as an primary procedure before Jones tube bypass surgery.