Nasolacrimal intubation in adults.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Silicone intubation has been shown to be successful in the management of epiphora in children. The effectiveness of this procedure was assessed in adults. METHODS 70 eyes from 53 patients underwent nasolacrimal intubation. Mean age at intubation was 54.7 years. Mean follow up period was 15 months. The results were based on improvement of symptoms. RESULTS Complete resolution of symptoms was reported in 54.3%. A partial improvement was reported in 14.3%, a transient improvement in 10%, and no improvement in 21.4%. A better outcome was associated with canalicular than with nasolacrimal obstructions (complete resolution of symptoms in 75.9% versus 25%). Only 17.1% have subsequently required dacryocystorhinostomies. CONCLUSION Silicone intubation of the nasolacrimal system is a successful procedure in the management of adult epiphora.