Long-term outcome of minor salivary gland transplantation for pediatric congenital alacrimia

Abstract

A 3-year-old boy presented with repeated episodes of corneal erosions and ulceration and absence of tear secretion since birth. Examination under anesthesia revealed a dry ocular surface, with corneal scarring and vascularization. Computed tomography of the orbit showed complete absence of lacrimal glands bilaterally. Minor salivary gland transplantation was performed in the right eye, which was more severely affected. This procedure has been used to manage severe dry eyes but not previously for congenital alacrimia. On long-term follow-up, 5 years after surgery, we observed considerable improvement in the photophobia, corneal transparency, and neovascularization.