Outcomes of rectangular 3-snip punctoplasty in acquired punctal stenosis: is there a need to be minimally invasive?

AIM

To report the clinical profiles of acquired punctal stenosis and outcomes with rectangular 3-snip punctoplasty.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent rectangular 3-snip punctoplasty, over a 3-year period from a single surgeon's (MJA) database was performed. Data retrieved include demographics, symptomatology, prior interventions, grades of punctal stenosis, associated ocular findings, and outcomes. A minimum follow-up of 6 months following punctoplasty was considered for analysis. Success was defined as clearance of dye on functional dye disappearance test and resolution of symptoms.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty five puncta of 87 eyes of 56 patients were studied. The mean age at presentations was 52 years. Puncta (71.7%; 104/145) were of grade 2 size. Epiphora was the commonest presenting symptom noted in 94.3% (82/87) of the eyes. At a minimum follow-up of 6 months, complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in 74.7% (65/87) of eyes. Eight out of 87 eyes (9.1%) failed to show any improvement secondary to lacrimal obstructions distal to the puncta. Five out of 87 (5.7%) eyes showed punctal restenosis whereas 10.3% (9/87) of the eyes had functional epiphora post punctoplasty.

CONCLUSION

Puncta of grade 2 size were the most common in this series. Although rectangular 3-snip punctoplasty is an effective and safe procedure for majority of grades 1 and 2 of acquired punctal stenosis, a higher percentages of functional epiphora and punctal restenosis in the remaining patients should propel further investigations into developing nonincisional, minimally invasive alternatives.