Dye-Enhanced Argon Laser Punctum Stenosis to Treat Dry Eyes
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness of the dye enhanced argon laser punctum stenosis to treat the dry eyes.
Methods
Both eyes of 30 patients were treated. Pre-procedure complete ophthalmic and systemic assessment were performed.
Nature, disease extent and treatment options were discussed with patients along with offer to undergo this procedure after informing the nature of the proposed procedure, expected benefits and possible limitations wereinformed and consent obtained.
Topical anesthesia drops were instilled. Gentian violet was used to stain the target tissue. Argon laser parameters regarding spot size, power and duration were set. Required magnification on the slit lamp was adjusted and the inferior lacrimal was positioned perpendicular to the laser light beam. Re-evaluation was done after 2 weeks.
Results
All the patients felt significant symptomatic improvement regarding dry eye complaints. The dependency on the eye drops / lubricating of using these was significantly reduced. The tear film break up time was increased and there was an increase in the height of tear film along the lower eyelid margin and a symptomatic improvement.
Conclusion
Dye-enhanced argon laser punctum stenosis is a safe, effective and promising technique, which could be performed in outpatient setting and th. It is an easy to learn procedure without running risk of complications and thus avoiding the possible side effects of long term use of lubricating eye drops.