Br J Ophthalmol 1998;82:1039-1041 ( September )
Nasolacrimal intubation in adults
Tim Fulcher,
Martin O'Connor,
Paul Moriarty
Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
Correspondence to: Mr Paul Moriarty, Royal
Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Accepted for publication 17 March 1998
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Silicone intubation has been shown
to be successful in the management of epiphora in children. The
effectiveness of this procedure was assessed in adults.
METHODS70 eyes from 53 patients underwent
nasolacrimal intubation. Mean age at intubation was 54.7 years. Mean
follow up period was 15 months. The results were based on improvement
of symptoms.
RESULTSComplete resolution of symptoms was
reported in 54.3%. A partial improvement was reported in 14.3%, a
transient improvement in 10%, and no improvement in 21.4%. A better
outcome was associated with canalicular than with nasolacrimal
obstructions (complete resolution of symptoms in 75.9% versus 25%).
Only 17.1% have subsequently required dacryocystorhinostomies.
CONCLUSIONSilicone intubation of the nasolacrimal
system is a successful procedure in the management of adult epiphora.
Keywords:
naslacrimal intubation;
silicone;
adults
© 1998 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
