Tarsal strip procedure for the correction of tearing.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tarsal strip procedure in the treatment of tearing related to lacrimal pump failure.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all tearing patients undergoing the tarsal strip procedure was done. Patients with ectropion, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, and punctal eversion and stenosis were excluded. Data collected included patient age, sex, procedures performed, follow-up, and resolution of tearing. The main outcome measure is resolution of tearing.

RESULTS

Thirty-four eyelids of 21 patients underwent a tarsal strip procedure for the correction of tearing. Complete resolution of tearing was noted in 14 eyes. Seventeen eyes were partially improved and required no further intervention. Three eyes were unimproved over the follow-up period. Two eyes eventually required another procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing tarsal strip for tearing caused by presumed lacrimal pump failure showed a significant rate of improvement in their tearing symptom after the procedure. The tarsal strip procedure appears to be effective in the surgical treatment of tearing secondary to laxity of the lower eyelid.