Silicone intubation for lacrimal canaliculi repair

The Quickert-Dryden silicone intubation procedure is currently the best means of obtaining permanent patency of the lacrimal canaliculi. Older methods for stenting the lacrimal canaliculi have low success rates because the materials used to prevent stricture formation either are poorly tolerated by the delicate ducts, extrude prematurely, or erode the puncta. Microsurgical anastomosis of the lacerated canaliculus enhances the chance for success and should be performed on all patients. Proper knowledge of lacrimal drainage anatomy is a prerequisite for attempting this procedure.