A permanent and reversible procedure to block tear drainage for the treatment of dry eye

Purpose: To describe a technique of canalicular ligation and report observations on 59 consecutive surgeries. Methods: Retrospective, non-comparative case series of canalicular ligation by 3 surgeons over a 7-year period. Results: Fifty-nine eyelids of 29 patients (2 men and 27 women) underwent canalicular ligation for the treatment of severe dry eyes. Patient age ranged from 34 to 90 years. Average length of follow-up was 20 months. There were no complications. Ninety-one percent of patients noted an improvement in their symptoms. Two patients developed symptomatic epiphora more than 1 year postoperatively and both underwent successful reversal. Conclusions: Canalicular ligation is an effective technique for punctal occlusion in patients with severe dry eyes. It combines surgical ease with excellent cosmetic outcomes.