[A simple setting for continuous irrigation in Charleux surgery for dry eye]

The treatment of xerosis [dry eye] registered a major advance with the diversion of Stenon's canal to the conjunctival sac, as proposed by Filatov-Chevaliev in 1951. This operation, however cannot be undertaken, unless the salivary secretion is normal. In Sjogren's syndrome, where salivation is equally deficient, extra-corporal irrigation remains the unique solution. The setting required for the continuous supply of artificial tears, however, present serious problems: the installation and location of a reservoir, creation of a smooth working, portable mechanism of propulsion as well as the tubular conduction to the eye, without risk of injury to the latter. The creation of a subcutaneous canal paved with oral mucosa, temporal to the outer canthus, as proposed by Charleux, provided the solution for the last point: the safe instillation to the eye. Whereas the numerous devices proposed so far to ensure a constant and dosable supply of artificial tears, have not given full satisfaction in practice. The simplified setting, above described, consisting of a saline unit placed high in the fez, has given proof of efficiency; the irrigation of the eye depending here on gravity, the motor and its multiple risks are eliminated. Accessibility, easy manipulation and the local guise of the proposed setting renders it particularly acceptable to the patient in the East.