title: A permanent and reversible procedure to block tear drainage for the treatment of dry eye.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe a technique of canalicular ligation and report observations on 59 consecutive surgeries.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective, non-comparative case series of canalicular ligation by 3 surgeons over a 7-year period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty-nine eyelids of 29 patients (2 men and 27 women) underwent canalicular ligation for the treatment of severe dry eyes. Patient age ranged from 34 to 90 years. Average length of follow-up was 20 months. There were no complications. Ninety-one percent of patients noted an improvement in their symptoms. Two patients developed symptomatic epiphora more than 1 year postoperatively and both underwent successful reversal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Canalicular ligation is an effective technique for punctal occlusion in patients with severe dry eyes. It combines surgical ease with excellent cosmetic outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Texas Oculoplastic Consultants, Austin, Texas 78705, USA.
authors.forename: Sheri L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: DeMartelaere
authors.forename: Sean M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Blaydon
authors.forename: José Luis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Tovilla-Canales
authors.forename: John W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Shore
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013666:Tears / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome