Teflon tubes for stenting and bypassing the lacrimal drainage pathways.

I report my experience using a new tear duct tube made from medical grade Teflon (Dupont) both as a bypass tube in situations in which a Pyrex Jones tube (Gunther Weiss, Portland Oregon) traditionally would be used, as well as a stent through the lower canaliculus, or as a bypass tube placed either through the lower canaliculus or at the inner canthus in connection with canaliculus laceration repair. After relatively brief follow-up, these Teflon tubes appeared to be associated with fewer complications than the Jones tube and in certain instances to offer other advantages as well.