Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of silicone stent intubation procedure in management of epiphora combined with dry eye syndrome.
Methods: This was a prospective interventional case study carried out in Mansoura Ophthalmic Center – Mansoura University on sample size of 40 eyes with epiphora combined with dry eye syndrome to detect the effectiveness of Silicone Stent Intubation in management of epiphora during the period from 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020. All individuals were subjected to full history and ocular examination. In addition assessment of epiphora according to Sahlin et al. score, Fluorescein dye disappearance test and lacrimal syringing to recognize the site of blockage where the system is found to be not patent.
Results: The study included 40 patients with punctal stenosis associated with dry eye syndrome: 26 males (65%) and 14 females (35%) with a mean age of 61.95 ± 6.04 and age range from 51 to 72 years. Epiphora grade 3 (permanent epiphora) occurred in 36 cases (90%), and grade 2 (moderate epiphora) occurred in 4 cases (10%). Six months after removal of the plugs, epiphora improved in 75% of patients, and fluorescein dye disappearance test results improved in 90% of patients; 10% of cases had early extrusion of the silicone stent tube.
Conclusion: Bicanalicular silicone stent intubation seems to be an effective tool in the management of acquired punctal stenosis combined with dry eye syndrome.