Jones tube insertion in children with canalicular agenesis.

The purpose of this report is to describe a simplified method of Jones tube insertion in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic upper and lower punctal and canalicular agenesis. A 5-year-old female with bilateral upper and lower canalicular agenesis, and a 4-year-old male with agenesis of the right upper and lower canaliculi, underwent placement of Jones tubes without performing standard external conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy. The first child requiring bilateral Jones tube insertion has remained asymptomatic for 24 months. The Jones tube dislodged in the second patient 6 weeks postoperatively. The tube was replaced, and the child has been asymptomatic for 16 months. The technique of Jones tube insertion without a previous or concomitant external dacryocystorhinostomy may be a useful modification in the management of pediatric patients with symptomatic upper and lower canalicular agenesis.