Persistence of tearing while monocanalicular stents are in place as a predictor of clinical outcome after stent removal

Abstract

Introduction: Persistent tearing while bicanalicular stents are in place is common and does not necessarily predict a poor outcome following stent removal. This study was performed to see if the same observations are true with regard to monocanalicular stents. Methods: Thirty-two patients (47 eyes) with congenital NLDO who had monocanalicular stent placement were enrolled. A telephone survey of the parents was performed to ascertain the presence of tearing with and without the stents in place. Results: Minimal or no symptoms with the stent in place occurred in 32 of 47 eyes (68%) and 30 of these 32 eyes (94%) had minimal or no symptoms after stent removal. Persistent tearing while the stent was in place occurred in 15 of 47 eyes (32%) and 11 of these 15 eyes had minimal or no symptoms following stent removal (73%). Conclusions: Compared with bicanalicular stents, patients undergoing monocanalicular stent placement are less likely to experience persistent tearing while the stent is in place. The majority of patients who experience tearing with the stent in place will not tear after the stent is removed.