Improvement in Contrast Sensitivity Function after Lacrimal Passage Intubation in Eyes with Epiphora

Abstract

This prospective case series aimed to investigate the contrast sensitivity function before and after lacrimal passage intubation (LPI) in eyes with epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction. We included 58 eyes of 51 patients who underwent LPI for lacrimal passage obstruction. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity function, and lower tear meniscus were compared before LPI and one month after lacrimal duct stent removal. The area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) was calculated for the analyses. Lower tear meniscus was assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The BCVA was comparable (p = 0.61) before and after LPI, while AULCSF increased significantly after treatment (before LPI: 1.29 ± 0.17, after LPI: 1.37 ± 0.14, p < 0.0001). Treatment resulted in a significant increase in contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies, 3–18 cycles/degree (p < 0.01 for 3, p < 0.01 for 6, p < 0.0005 for 12, p < 0.05 for 18 cycles/degree). The lower tear meniscus parameters improved significantly after treatment (p < 0.005); however, no correlation between the changes in the tear meniscus and those of the AULCSF was found. The contrast sensitivity significantly improved after LPI in eyes with epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction.

Dacryoendoscopic recanalization of lacrimal passage obstruction/stenosis after radioiodine therapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma

“…Epiphora due to lacrimal passage obstruction can worsen visual function and vision-related quality of life. 8 , 9 , 10 Since patients with epiphora after RAI tend to be around age 50, which seems younger than primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction, the negative effect of epiphora on social activity is a concern. 3 , 11 Dacryoendoscopic examination in patients with epiphora after radioiodine therapy may detect early-stage nasolacrimal obstruction/stenosis, which can be resolved by recanalization and insertion of the lacrimal tube, without the need for a more-invasive surgical approach such as dacryocystorhinostomy.…”

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dry Eye Symptoms after Successful Dacryocystorhinostomy for Patients with Lacrimal Passage Obstruction

“…For LPO patients, DCR or lacrimal passage intubation may bring many benefits, such as relieving the epiphora symptom, and improving visual function, visual quality and life quality. [6][7][8] However, this approach can be complicated by aggravation of dry eye symptoms. 13 The OSDI is a validated and reliable questionnaire designed to assess the ocular symptoms consistent with DED and their impact on vision-related function.…”

“…In general, dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) or lacrimal passage intubation can significantly improve the visual function, visual quality and life quality of patients with LPO. [6][7][8] However, we can often see dry eye symptoms worsened in some LPO patients after DCR in clinical practice. There have been previous reports of the occurrence of dry eye after Jones tube insertion or DCR in LPO patients.…”

The Effect of Past Cataract Surgery within the Medium to Long-Term Period on Patients with Dry Eye Disease

“…Another factor that may influence tear film parameters and blurred vision includes lacrimal drainage system obstruction [41]. In the event patients were suspected of lacrimal drainage obstruction, e.g., constant watering or elevated tear meniscus, syringing would have been ordered.…”