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Idiopathic edematous punctal stenosis with chronic epiphora: preponderance in young women

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Abstract

Purpose

To describe a previously unreported phenomenon of idiopathic edematous punctal stenosis (IEPS) with chronic epiphora, presenting almost exclusively in young female patients.

Methods

A review of patients who presented with chronic epiphora and edematous punctal stenosis of unknown cause (IEPS) at the outpatient clinic of Soroka Medical Center between August 2011 and August 2015. Associated findings from clinical examination were recorded.

Results

A total of 32 patients with IEPS were documented. There were 30 female and 2 male patients. Average age at diagnosis was 37.6 ± 13.4 years, range 19–63 years, median 35 years. Temporary alleviation of symptoms was reported in subjects treated with topical steroids (43.8%), tacrolimus ointment (15.6%), and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (3.1%). No improvement in symptoms was reported in 37.5% of patients. Symptoms were bilateral in 78.1% of the patients. Spontaneous resolution was achieved in only 6.3% (2/32).

Conclusions

IEPS accompanied by chronic epiphora has not been characterized to date. Our data show a clear predominance of females, most of them in their fertile years.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 151, 84101, Beer Sheva, Israel

    Tom Kornhauser, Avichai Segal, Eyal Walter, Tova Lifshitz & Erez Tsumi

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Zerifin, Israel

    Morris Hartstein

Authors
  1. Tom Kornhauser
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  2. Avichai Segal
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  3. Eyal Walter
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  4. Tova Lifshitz
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  5. Morris Hartstein
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  6. Erez Tsumi
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Correspondence to Tom Kornhauser.

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Kornhauser, T., Segal, A., Walter, E. et al. Idiopathic edematous punctal stenosis with chronic epiphora: preponderance in young women. Int Ophthalmol 39, 1981–1986 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-018-1031-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-018-1031-y

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