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Published on: October 13, 2017
Probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in older children
Bahram Eshragi1, Masoud Aghsaei Fard, Babak Masomian
1Department of Ophthalmology, Farabi Eye Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Probing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children over 2 years old is effective, with a 54% complete success rate. Bilateral obstruction independently predicts probing failure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a common condition in infants.
- While often resolving spontaneously, persistent cases may require intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of nasolacrimal duct probing in children aged 2 years and older with CNLDO.
- To identify predictors of successful probing outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 82 children over 24 months old with CNLDO.
- All patients underwent simple nasolacrimal duct probing as the primary treatment.
- Outcomes were evaluated via ophthalmologic exams and parental symptom history at 1 and 6 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- The overall complete response rate was 54%, with partial response in 25% and failure in 20.8%.
- Bilateral obstruction was significantly associated with probing failure (Odds Ratio: 5.76, P = 0.007).
- Age over 36 months did not correlate with increased failure rates.
Conclusions:
- Simple nasolacrimal duct probing is a successful primary treatment for CNLDO in children over 2 years old.
- The procedure maintains a high success rate without an age-related decline in efficacy.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of probing in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children age 2 years and older and to establish factors predictive of the outcome.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on consecutive patients older than 24 months with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. All patients were treated with a simple nasolacrimal duct probing as primary treatment. Outcome measures included an ophthalmologic examination plus a parental history of residual symptoms at one and 6 months after surgery.
Results:
A total of 82 children with a mean age of 34.5 months (range, 24 months to 60 months) underwent nasolacrimal duct probing. The complete response rate was 54%. Partial response and failure were observed in 25% and 20.8% of the eyes, respectively. Bilateral obstruction was associated with failure of probing (P = 0.007, Odds Ratio: 5.76). However, age older than 36 months was not associated with the failure rate.
Conclusion:
Primary probing maintains a high success rate without any age related decline in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
