Abstract:

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to repair complex canaliculus lacrimalis laceration due to tissue defect. Previous studies demonstrated that amniotic membrane can facilitate epithelization and inhibit inflammatory reaction or fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) on the repair of canaliculus lacrimalis laceration. 
METHODS: A total of 22 eyes of 22 patients of canaliculus lacrimalis laceration, including 9 cases combined with lacrimal point splitting, 5 with lacrimal point defect, and 8 with canalicular defects. AMT combined with canaliculoplasty were applied for the treatment. The tube was removed at 4 months after operation, and the re-examination was performed at 1, 2, 4 weeks and 2, 3 months after tube removal. The follow-up lasted for 7-18 months. The therapeutic effect was evaluated. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Up to the end follow-up, 21 of 22 cases (95.45%) were recovered, and 1 case went better. A total of 14 cases (100%) reconstruction of lacrimalis puncticulum were very well. 21 cases tear clearance rate were normal. The findings demonstrated that AMT combined with canaliculoplasty are a safe and effective surgery for the reconstruction of canaliculus lacrimalis laceration.