AIM: To evaluate the efficiency and complications of single lacrimal duct intubation versus annular lacrimal duct intubation with 5-fluorouracil and tobramycin/dexamethasone eye ointment injection in lacrimal duct obstruction treatment.

METHODS:A total of 74 patients(92 eyes)with lacrimal duct obstruction who received surgical treatment by Department of Ophthalmology in Qinhuangdao Haigang Hospital were consecutively recruited between August 2015 and September 2016. They were randomly allocated to Group A or Group B. After probing of lacrimal passage, Group A(46 eyes)were treated by using single lacrimal duct intubation. Group B(46 eyes)were treated by using annular lacrimal duct intubation combined with 5-fluorouracil and tobramycin/dexamethasone eye ointment injection. Between the two groups, Mann-Whitney Rank sum test was used to comparing the operative effect, and Chi-square test was used to comparing the occurrence of complications.

RESULTS:The cure rate was 61% in Group A and 89% in Group B; the improvement rate was 22% in Group A and 4% in Group B. Group B had better effect and less complications(2 cases)than Group A(8 cases),the differences between the two groups were significantly(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Compared with single lacrimal duct intubation, annular lacrimal duct intubation combined with 5-fluorouracil and tobramycin/dexamethasone eye ointment injection has better operative effect and less complication in lacrimal duct obstruction treatment.