PURPOSE To evaluate the outcome of the modified technique of external dacrycystorhinostomy with anterior flaps anastomosis only. METHODS This prospective study included 52 patients with lacrimal drainage system disorders who underwent the modified technique of external dacrycystorhinostomy with anterior flaps anastomosis only. In this modified procedure of external dacryocystorhinostomy, anas...

AIM One of the main factors in determining success rate of lacrimal surgery is the level of obstruction in the lacrimal drainage system. There are only few reports which quantify this, and none on endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS A case series of patients who had endoscopic DCR for anatomical obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system was performed. All patients who had lacrim...

PURPOSE Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) represents a part of the immune system located at mucosal surfaces. Its presence in the human eye is the point in question in the current study. Its occurrence, components, topography, and probable functional significance in the human conjunctiva and lacrimal drainage system were investigated. METHODS Fifty-three complete conjunctival sacs were...

AIMS To prospectively evaluate the reliability and efficacy of a new treatment for the reconstruction of the lacrimal duct using a new histo-engineered material, xenogeneic (bovine) acellular dermal matrix. METHOD Five patients (five eyes) with partial or total absence of the lacrimal duct were included in the study. Four patients (four eyes) suffered from traumatic injuries to the lacrimal d...

BACKGROUND/AIM Isolated stenosis of the lacrimal punctum is a frequent cause of epiphora. Treatment relies on surgical opening or dilatation with bi- or monocanalicular prosthesis. Recently, silicone perforated punctum plugs (PPP) were proposed. The drawback with these silicone PPP was that secretions accumulate in the central orifice blocking the spontaneous flow of tears. A modification of th...

The primary function of the lacrimal system is to produce and drain the tear film from the surface of the eye. The tear film is composed of three integrated layers: the aqueous, mucus, and lipid layers. The aqueous layer is produced by the orbital lacrimal gland and gland of the third eyelid and secreted onto the ocular surface through ductules that traverse the conjunctiva. The mucus layer is ...

AIM To examine the results of open lacrimal surgery in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. METHODS A retrospective review of patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who underwent lacrimal surgery over a 17 year period. RESULTS 11 patients were identified and a total of 14 primary dacryocystorhinostomies (DCR) and one revisional DCR were performed; symptomatic relief was achieved in 13/14...