AIM: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of punctoplasty combined with lacrimal ductule blocking core implantation in the treatment of puncta stenosis.

METHODS: Fifty-six patients(88 eyes)who had epiphora due to puncta stenosis or atresia from March 2018 to July 2019 were enrolled in Jinan mingshui eye hospital. All patients underwent punctoplasty by using trabeculectomy punch combined with a lacrimal ductule blocking core. The core was removed at 2wk after operation. A follow-up of 3mo was taken for final analysis. The epiphora scores, the gradation of punctal morphology and fluorescein staining disappearance test were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS: The epiphora scores 3mo after surgery was decreased compared with the preoperative ones. Both the punctal morphology and the fluorescein staining disappearance test were significantly improved 3mo after surgery. One patient had second puncta atresia due to scar hyperplasia after removing the core. The total effectiveness was 98%, of which 81 eyes(92%)were cured compeletely and 5 eyes(6%)were improved significantly. Only 2 eyes(2%)had no effect. No intraoperative complications were observed and minor complications rate was 7%.

CONCLUSION: Punctoplasty combined with lacrimal ductule blocking core implantation is a safe and effective new method for the puncta stenosis, which is easy to perform and improve the effect of punctoplasty.