Dr. Namrata Majhi, M16124, Dr. Namrata Kabra
PURPOSE:To assess outcomes of thermal punctual cautery in severe dry eyes
MATERIAL:40eyes of 20patients with severe dry eye recalcitrant to maximal medical therapy underwent permanent punctual occlusion by thermal punctual cauterisation between April2014-November2015.Vertical & horizontal portion of canaliculus including punctual epithelium cauterised with long hairline tip of ellman thermal punctual cautery.Success measured by complete functional occlusion of punctum,tear function tests & patients’ response
RESULTS:20patients included 6males & 14females.Age ranged from 7-60y. 2-30months followup done.95% puncta remained occluded,5% showed anatomical opening,75% had subjective improvement & 59% showed decreased frequency of lubritants
CONCLUSION:Thermal punctual cautery shows very less chances of recanalisation.It provides a good symptomatic improvement by preservation of tears.Decrease in frequency of lubricant instillation can increase patient compliance & reduce economic burden.