AIM: To discuss the cause of lacrimal duct obstruction relapsed after lacrimal duct stent operation.

METHODS: A total of 523 patients(523 eyes)of lacrimal duct obstruction were enrolled. They were given regular examination of the eyes and nose before lacrimal duct stent operation. We analyzed the correlation between the lacrimal duct obstruction and the relevant disease. And 280 cases reoccurred lacrimal duct obstruction during the average 2a follow-up. The causes correlated with the relapsed obstruction were assessed.

RESULTS: Lacrimal duct obstruction mostly occurred secondary to the inflammation of conjunctiva or nasal mucosa. The upper site obstruction correlated with the chronic conjunctivitis, while the lower site obstruction related to the hypertrophy of inferior turbinate. Outcome of some cases were discouraging after the stents removed. The removal of the ring silicone tube usually leaded to the upper site obstruction, while the lower site obstruction usually caused by the removal of spherical silicone tube.

CONCLUSION: Lacrimal duct stent operation is a simple, safe and outpatient treatment. But the long-term effectiveness is not encouraging. We should make personal treatment according to the etiological factor, the site of the obstruction, age, and the procedure of treatment.