The Use of Artificial Tears to Prevent Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Patients Who Are Treated with Radioactive Iodine for Thyroid Cancer
Radioactive iodine therapy for thyroid carcinoma has been associated with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (blocked tear duct). There are currently no interventions to decrease the risk of developing radioactive iodine associated blocked tear duct. This study aims to identify a potential preventative measure for decreasing the incidence of developing a blocked tear duct after radioactive iodine therapy through the use of artificial tears. The theory is that the artificial tears will dilute the amount of radioactive iodine in the tears of the eyes, thus decreasing absorption in the cells of the blocked tear duct. The study involves a randomized trial of 100 patients where half of the participants will administer preservative-free artificial tears to both eyes during the four days following radioactive iodine therapy and the other half will not administer artificial tears to their eyes for four days after administration of radioactive iodine therapy.
