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.
Keywords: Edema; Epiphora; Inflammation; Punctum; Women.