Is Orbital Lobe of the Lacrimal Gland Dispensable? Tear Volume, Ocular Surface, and MRI Volumetric Analysis

Purpose: To investigate the effects of lacrimal gland reduction surgeries on the tear volume and ocular surface. Methods: This is a cohort study of patients post 2 lacrimal gland reduction surgeries: partial orbital lobe dacryoadenectomy for refractory epiphora (4 patients, mean age: 31 ± 13.6 years, 3 males) and complete orbital lobe dacryoadenectomy for lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma (15 patients, mean age: 41 ± 12 years, 7 females). Changes in Schirmer I, ocular surface staining, symptomatology, and lacrimal gland volumetrics (MRI) were assessed before and after the surgical procedure. Results: The median Schirmer value reduction following partial orbital lobe dacryoadenectomy was 5 mm at a mean follow-up of 18 ± 4.9 months. None of them developed dry eye disease or positive ocular staining. The gland volume was reduced by 45.9% to 53.5% in 3 patients and 13.3% in 1 patient. The epiphora improved moderately in 93% of patients. Of 15 patients with lacrimal gland pleomorphic adenoma excision, the median reduction in Schirmer I was 4 mm at a mean follow-up of 12.8 months. Conclusion: Partial or complete removal of the orbital lobe of the lacrimal gland does not induce dry eye disease in otherwise healthy individuals. However, gland volume does not recover following partial reduction, and it seems unlikely that the lacrimal gland regenerates following partial removal.