AIM: To assess the efficacy of modified silicon tube in treating canalicular laceration.

METHODS:Silicon tube of 0.3mm×0.6mm in diameter was used to treat 24 patients with newly occurred lacrimal canaliculi rupture. Other 24 patients treated with regular tube were served as control. The mean follow-up was 1.5 years.

RESULTS:Patients treated with modified tube showed good stability. During follow-up, lacrimal passage was clear and tear drainage maintained unobstructed. In control group, irritation occurred before tube drawing, e.g. foreign body sensation, lachrymation, hyperemia, excessive exudates. The rate of complication between modified treatment group and control group was 4.2%(1/24)and 33.3%(8/24), respectively. The difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). The cure rate between the two groups was 91.7%(22/24)and 62.5%(15/24), respectively, after tube drawing(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Treatment ofcanalicular laceration using modified silicon tube shows good efficacy, favorable patient compliance, thus can be a new effective treatment.