The Use of Argon Laser Punctal Stenosis in Patients With Contact Lens-Induced Dry Eyes

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of argon laser punctal stenosis inpatients with contact lens-induced dry eyes. METHODS: A retrospective review of 25 eyes of 13 patients who underwent argon laser punctal stenosis to improve their contact lens intolerance was performed. The mean age was 31 (range, 21-52) years and 11 patients (85%) were women. The mean Schirmer I test was 15.2 (range, 3-35). RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well. In 19 eyes, the treatment involved only the lower punctum, whereas in six eyes, it involved both the upper and lower puncta. Eight patients required more than one treatment session (range, 2-6). At follow-up after 6 months, 10 of the 13 (77%) patients reported a substantial improvement in their symptoms and contact lens wear time. CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser punctual stenosis provides a useful and titratable treatment of contact lens intolerance due to dry eyes.