Alacrima Treatment & Management

  • Author: Dan D DeAngelis, MD, FRCS(C); Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD   more...
 
Updated: Apr 26, 2012
 

Medical Care

  • Artificial tears are used as the primary treatment modality as often as necessary to relieve ocular discomfort.
  • Severe cases necessitate more viscous preparations, such as gels and ointments.
  • Pay particular attention to preservatives and concomitant hypersensitivity.
  • Petrolatum gels may be used at night.
  • Progressive symptoms may require sustained-release ocular inserts.
  • Moisture chambers at night may be attempted, but compliance in children is often poor.
    • Blepharoconjunctivitis may be treated with hot compresses and antibiotic drops or ointments.
    • Some cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, especially with recurrent corneal erosion or ulceration, may be ameliorated with bandage contact lenses, aggressive topical lubrication, and antibiotics (as needed).
    • Cases of systemic autoimmune dysfunction have been treated with neostigmine (Prostigmin).
    • Corneal epithelial breakdown is more likely if the cornea is anesthetic.
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Surgical Care

Attempt surgical interventions when conservative topical therapy does not relieve symptoms.

  • Temporary occlusion
    • Temporary punctal obliteration is difficult to quantitate and better achieved by punctal plugs.
    • If surgical obliteration is contemplated, it probably should be permanent.
  • Permanent occlusion
    • Permanent punctal occlusion should be attempted if all conservative means fail.
    • Inferior punctal occlusion and/or superior punctal occlusion may be attempted depending on the severity of the clinical findings.
    • Thermal, electrical, and laser modalities have been advocated, but the best permanent results occur when the punctum and the vertical limb of the canaliculus are obliterated.
  • Tarsorrhaphy: Temporary or permanent tarsorrhaphy is indicated with prolonged symptoms or evidence of ocular compromise characterized by corneal breakdown.
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Consultations

Consider consultation with a neurologist and a pediatrician.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Dan D DeAngelis, MD, FRCS(C)  Lecturer, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine; Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children

Dan D DeAngelis, MD, FRCS(C) is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, California Medical Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Ontario Medical Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Jeff Hurwitz, MD, FRCS(C)  Director of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, Mount Sinai Hospital; Chairman, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Toronto, Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Jorge G Camara, MD  Professor of Ophthalmology, Department of Surgery and Director of Fellowship Training Program in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for Countries Served by the Aloha Medical Mission, University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine

Jorge G Camara, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD  Consulting Staff, Division of Oculoplastic, Orbito-facial, Lacrimal and Reconstructive Surgery, Green Bay Eye Clinic, BayCare Clinic; Medical Director, Advanced Cosmetic Solutions, A BayCare Clinic

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sigma Xi, and Society for Neuroscience

Disclosure: Allergan - Botox Cosmetic Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Lance L Brown, OD, MD  Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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