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Study details common causes, outcomes of canalicular lacerations
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PHILADELPHIA — Delayed repair of canalicular lacerations was associated with significantly increased tear production, according to a study presented here.
“We found that most of these injuries were incurred by young males. The most common etiology was blunt accidental trauma,” Blair K. Armstrong, MD, said at the Wills Eye Annual Conference. “We identified a complication rate: 6.8% infection and 24.6% early extrusion. We also noted that 28% of patients reported tearing. [Prompt repair] is associated with better outcomes, and older patients are more likely to experience tearing.”
The study authors examined clinical and demographic data, surgical techniques with the Mini Monoka monocanalicular stent (FCI Ophthalmics), and factors associated with surgical complications or poor outcomes.
The study included 76 patients who sustained 81 canalicular lacerations; 16 patients did not participate in follow-up appointments. Twelve patients successfully completed a telephone survey.
Mean patient age was 30.81 years. The lower lid was most commonly affected. The most common primary injuries were blunt accidental trauma, animal bites and sharp accidental trauma. The primary outcome measure was presence or absence of tearing.
Results showed that most patients underwent surgical repair of canalicular lacerations within 48 hours of sustaining an injury. Most patients underwent surgery in a formal operating room setting.
Patients who had more than 24 hours between injury and time of repair had a significantly higher incidence of tearing than patients who underwent surgery within 24 hours of injury. Patients older than 25 years were more likely to experience tearing.
Increased rates of tearing did not correlate with eye lid affected or type of injury, Armstrong said.
Disclosure: Armstrong has no relevant financial disclosures.