Clinical observation of radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment for conjunctivochalasis-induced epiphora
10.3980/j.issn.1672-5123.2026.3.29
- VernacularTitle:射频微创治疗结膜松弛引起溢泪的临床观察
- Author:
Xuan ZHENG
1
;
Xiaozhao YANG
1
;
Hua YANG
1
;
Yi ZHANG
1
;
Bo WANG
1
Author Information
1. Xi'an No.1 Hospital;the First Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University;Shaanxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ophthalmologic Diseases;Shaanxi Ophthalmological Institute;Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Xi'an 710002, Shaanxi Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
conjunctivochalasis;
epiphora;
radiofrequency;
ocular microenvironment
- From:
International Eye Science
2026;26(3):528-533
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
AIM: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and changes in the ocular surface microenvironment following radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment for conjunctivochalasis-induced epiphora.METHODS: Patients with epiphora primarily caused by conjunctivochalasis were enrolled. All patients had conjunctivochalasis of ≥grade II, and their symptoms showed no significant improvement after previous pharmacological treatment. All patients underwent radiofrequency minimally invasive correction of conjunctivochalasis, supplemented with artificial tears, anti-inflammatory therapy, and ocular surface repair treatment postoperatively. At 8 wk post-surgery, the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), eye redness, tear secretion, non-invasive tear break-up time, lipid layer thickness, tear ferning test, and conjunctival impression cytology were assessed to compare treatment efficacy and observe changes in the ocular surface microenvironment.RESULTS: A total of 43 cases(43 eyes)of conjunctivochalasis and with a main complaint of epiphora were included, including 23 males and 20 males, with a mean age of 64.69±3.36 years. The total effective rate of surgery was 91% at 8 wk postoperatively. Compared with preoperative values, the OSDI scores significantly decreased and the non-invasive tear break-up time was prolonged at 8 wk post-surgery(all P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in lipid layer thickness or tear secretion at 8 wk postoperatively(all P>0.05). The normal rate of chloramphenicol taste test increased from 21% preoperatively to 63% postoperatively; the normal rate of eye redness increased from 40% to 70%; normal rate of tear ferning grading improved from 30% to 63%; and normal conjunctival impression cytology grading increased from 21% to 74%.CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment is effective for conjunctivochalasis and is straightforward to perform. Patients with conjunctivochalasis often present with other ocular surface issues beyond conjunctivochalasis itself, such as insufficient tear secretion, reduced lipid layer thickness, and other dry eye-related problems. Therefore, a comprehensive approach emphasizing tear dynamics should be adopted during treatment.
