title: 'Punctal switch' grafting for the treatment of dry eyes: our experience.
abstract: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of 'punctal switch' grafting, a proposed new technique for permanent punctal occlusion. We prospectively evaluated the results and complications in 22 patients (5 males and 17 females) who underwent the procedure in our department over a period of 3 years. Patients' ages ranged from 41 to 81 years. The average follow-up was 12.8 months. Subjective and clinical improvement was documented in 91% of the cases with a low rate of recanalization (9%). Only 1 patient developed epiphora postoperatively, and the operation has been successfully reversed in that case. There were no serious complications. As a conclusion, punctal switch grafting is an effective technique for permanent punctal occlusion. The complication rate is low, recanalization is rare and the occlusion can be reversed if symptomatic epiphora develops.
authors: Ophthalmology Department, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, UK.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Panagopoulos
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Chalioulias
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Ramsay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D064592:Autografts; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies