[Recent progress in therapy of the lacrimal ducts 1991]

We went through papers on lacrimal duct disorders published in 1991 seeking new information which could be directly applied. Practical clinical information was given priority over academic results. 1. New strategies were adopted in particular in the surgical treatment of lacrimal duct obstructions. The most important progress in this context was in the use of various types of laser in combination with improved video endoscopes, e.g. in laser dacryocystorhinostomy or laser conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. 2. A special instrument, the "Reiss punctal punch", was developed for treatment of punctal stenosis. It enhances and facilitates punctoplasty. 3. With regard to the lacrimal gland and tear secretion, it was shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a natural component of human tears and is formed in the lacrimal gland. It is not yet known whether corneal wound healing can be influenced by administering drugs which alter EGF production.