Long-term outcomes of monocanalicular lacrimal stenting in punctum and canalicular stenosis or obstruction

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: Morbid epiphora may occur in stenosis or obstruction (S/O) of proximal lacrimal system. Our study aimed to determine the role of monocanalicular lacrimal stents in the management of punctum and canalicular S/O.Research design and methods: A retrospective, single-surgeon based review of patients who underwent punctum and canalicular dilatation, recanalisation and monocanalicular stenting, were enrolled. The stent was kept in-situ for 6–8 weeks in all. Both subjective (relief from epiphora) and objective (fluorescein dye disappearance test) outcomes were recorded.Results: Forty-four puncta and 53 canaliculi had S/O. At mean followup of 13.5 months, complete relief was reported by 37(84.09%) and 42(79.25%) eyes of punctum and canalicular S/O, respectively, while 1(2.27%) and 6(11.32%) eyes had no relief. Spontaneous stent extrusion occurred in total 10(10.31%) eyes.Conclusion: Monocanalicular lacrimal stent is a safe, user-friendly and clinically effective tool in the long-term management of punctum and canalicular stenosis or obstruction.