Management of acquired punctal stenosis with perforated punctal plugs

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the efficiency of perforated punctal plug in acquired punctal stenosis. Materials and methodsForty-five eyes of 33 patients who had epiphora due to punctal stenosis were included in this study. After biomicroscopic examination and lacrimal dilatation punctal stenosis was managed with the perforated punctal plugs in all patients. In the following period epiphora, plug tolerance, lacrimal drainage were evaluated and graded. Lacrimal drainage was evaluated with fluorescein dye disappearing test. ResultsThe age of the patients ranged between 31 and 80 (mean 55.78±13.11). Preoperatively punctal dilatation and lacrimal system irrigations were performed on all patients. Lacrimal system irrigation was positive in all patients. Perforated punctal plugs were placed in the inferior puncti in all patients. The plugs were explanted 6months after operation. The follow-up period ranged between 6 and 24months. Plug tolerance was good in 97.8% of the eyes in the 1st month visit. Epiphora decreased remarkably in 88.9% of the patients 1month after plug implantation, except one whose plug dropped off spontaneously in 2weeks. Fluorescein disappearing times were found under 3min in 97.8% of the eyes after plug explanations. ConclusionPunctum stenosis is one of the several disorders that cause lacrimal drainage obstruction. Perforated punctal plugs are found convenient and effective in managing punctal stenosis.