Lacrimal Punctal Occlusion With Conjunctival Flap

A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Permanent Punctal Occlusion with the Ophthalmic Burr and Suture Technique

The medical treatment of dry eye disease usually follows a step-wise approach to achieve clinical improvement, ranging from non-surgical interventions with intensive lubrication to permanent surgical punctal occlusion. While frequent lubrication is essential, the intense regime is often too burdensome and difficult to maintain at the required frequency. Punctal plugs are an invaluable alternative approach, but also have limitations, especially in conscious children, in whom inserting and re-inserting punctum plugs in clinic can be challenging. If a patient has permanent and severe dry eye disease and responded well to a trial of temporary punctal plugging, a permanent surgical solution should be considered next. Liu et al showed that a more successful, yet simple technique to achieve permanent occlusion is to combine de-epithelialising the punctum and ampulla with the immediate firm apposition of the de-epithelialised surface using a self-absorbable suture - with a success rate of 92% in a prospective study. This article demonstrates this technique step-by-step in an 8-year-old child with severe chronic dry eye disease following proton beam therapy for orbital rhabdomyosarcoma. She underwent this procedure with excellent results.

An Evidence-Based Strategic Approach to Prevention and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease, a Modern Global Epidemic

Dry eye disease (DED) is an emerging health concern causing significant visual, psychological, social, and economic impact globally. In contrast to visual rehabilitation undertaken at late stages of DED, measures instituted to prevent its onset, establishment, or progression can alter its natural course and effectively bring down the associated morbidity. This review attempts to present the available literature on preventive strategies of DED at one place, including strategies for risk assessment and mitigation, targeting a wide range of population. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and an extensive literature review on preventive strategies for DED was compiled to put forth a holistic and strategic approach for preventing DED. This can be undertaken at various stages or severity of DED directed at different tiers of the health care system. Conclusion: This review intends to put emphasis on preventive strategies being adopted as an integral part of routine clinical practice by general ophthalmologists and specialists to tackle the burden of DED and improve the quality of the lives of the patients suffering from it.

Oculoplastic aspects of ocular surface disease and their management

The normal structure and function of the eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctival fornices, and lacrimal system are essential for the health of the ocular surface, and abnormalities of these structures accompany many cases of ocular surface disease. We describe the role of oculoplastic intervention in the context of ocular surface disease, focusing on blink disorders, lagophthalmos, entropion, lid scarring and keratinization, trichiasis, and punctal and lacrimal sac disease.