ARGON-LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION IN THE TREATMENT OF THE PALPEBRAL LOBE CYSTS OF THE LACRIMAL GLAND (DACRYOPS)

Dacryops is a closed cyst that develops on the palpebral lobe of the l acrimal gland, manifesting in the region of the external canthus. Its slow and insidious growth causes mechanical and aesthetic problems tha t do not regress spontaneously. Treatment involves excision of the cys t while sparing the adjacent glandular tissues. In cases associated wi th hypolacrimation, marsupialization of the cyst is indicated. To obta in a reduction of the cyst to an aesthetically acceptable level in cas es of simple dacryops, the authors suggest argon laser therapy, which avoids the risks related to surgery and general anesthesia and elimina tes the need for hospitalization. Two patients with simple dacryops we re treated with blue-green argon laser under local anesthesia. At the end of follow-up, the cysts had been clinically reduced in volume and were not visible by external examination. In cases of simple dacryops, laser therapy is suitable for the reduction of the cyst. Photocoagula tion treatment is not advisable in cases that are complicated by fistu las or where the clinical presentation is atypical.