Comparison between three snip punctoplasty and silicone tube stent in patients with primary punctal stenosis

Abstract

This study compares the safety and effectiveness of bicanalicular silicone intubation in individuals with primary punctal stenosis versus 3 snip punctoplasty. Patients and methods:This study included 40 eyes with primary punctal stenosis (lower punctum) who were classified into two groups according to the surgical correction technique; three snip punctoplasty (group 1) and Bicanalicular silicone Intubation (group 2). All included cases were subjected to ophthalmic history taking and full ophthalmological examination including evaluation of the lacrimal tear strip, fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT), syringing and degree of epiphora. Patients were assessed at one day, one week, one month, three months and six months postoperative for evaluation of silicone tube stability, patency of the punctum, lacrimal tear strip, FDDT and degree of epiphora.Results: There was highly statistically significant improvement in FDDT and grading of Epiphora in between two groups starting from the first day postoperative in group B. The incidence of patient satisfaction was higher in the silicone intubation group, but it didn't reach a statistically significant value. Recurrence of Epiphora was reported in two cases in group 1 and in 1 case only in group 2. Conclusion:Bicanalicular silicone intubation is superior than 3-snip punctoplasty for the treatment of primary punctal stenosis.