Utility of intraocular endoscope for lacrimal canaliculi and sac examination

Intraocular endoscope was used as a dacryoendoscope, and its observations and performance in lacrimal drainage system (LDS) are reported.

The Endo Optiks (Little Silver, New Jersey, USA), an intraocular endoscope (modified with customized sheath), was used for LDS visualization in ten normal adults and five patients with lacrimal disorders.

We were able to capture high-definition images of lacrimal canaliculi and sac in all normal adults. Smooth whitish canalicular mucosa with lumen could be appreciated in all normal individuals. Common canaliculus showed variable folds among individuals and reddish lacrimal sac mucosa could be appreciated with great details. In patients with canalicular obstruction, site of obstruction was presented as whitish gray area with no visible lumen, which could be opened up precisely with trephination. No false passage was formed in any of the cases. One of the cases had membranous canalicular obstruction, which was opened with probe itself. Nasolacrimal duct could not be examined due to the shorter length of the probe.

Intraocular endoscope can be used as high-resolution dacryoendoscope for visualization of lacrimal canaliculi and sac.