Silicone Intubation for Treatment of Punctal Stenosis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical results and complications of silicone intubation in patients with epiphora by punctal stenosis. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 35 eyes of 23 patients who had undergone silicone intubation from 1998 to 2002 and followed more than 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Following 1 year postoperatively, 33 eyes (94.3%) showed no epiphora, 2 eyes (5.7%) showed intermittent epiphora. Complications after silicone intubation included prolapse of tube in 3 eyes, punctal slitting in 1 eye, itching in 6 eyes, foreign body sensation in 2 eyes, discharge from punctum in 3 eyes and intranasal discomfort in 1 eye. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone intubation seemed to be an alternative method in patient with epiphora due to punctal stenosis and also a useful method to treat upper and lower punctum.