Endoscopy of the lacrimal outflow system
W. Fein, L. Daykhovsky, T. Papaioannou, C. Beeder and W. S. Grundfest
Division of Ophthalmology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif.
Management of obstructions in the lacrimal drainage system would be greatly
aided by improvements in the ability to visualize the blockages. We
describe a new method of observation using miniature fiberoptics to view
the entire lacrimal excretory system. We employed flexible endoscopes of
fiberoptic bundles with outside diameters of from 0.5 to 0.7 mm. These
endoscopes were inserted through the puncta and canaliculi. Sixteen
patients were examined. A range of pathologic conditions were found,
including slightly stenosed passages and severely destroyed canalicular
mucosal lining. Our results indicate that this technique is feasible and
useful in the diagnosis of lacrimal excretory disease.
