Treatment of canalicular block

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastic Surgery

Background:

• Canalicular obstructions, particularly of the inferior canaliculus, represent complex challenges in lacrimal surgery.
• Accurate clinical assessment of stenosis severity, length, and position is crucial before surgical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review treatment strategies for canalicular obstructions.
• To highlight the evolution of surgical techniques for restoring lacrimal drainage.

Main Methods:

• Discusses conservative surgical approaches for partial or limited stenosis.
• Explains Jones' procedure for long stenosis and its modifications.
• Details the use of silicone tube intubation in the nasolacrimal duct.

Main Results:

• Bicanalicilar intubation is preferred for partial stenosis.
• Jones' procedure is effective for long stenosis but associated with complications.
• Silicone tube intubation provides a modified, long-term solution with over a decade of application.

Conclusions:

• Treatment choice depends on stenosis characteristics (partial, limited, or long).
• Silicone tube intubation is a refined, established method for managing complex lacrimal drainage issues.