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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Resolution of dacryostenosis after osteopathic manipulative treatment
Theresa E Apoznanski1, Reem Abu-Sbaih1, Michael J Terzella1
1From the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM) in Old Westbury.
Insights
Osteopathic manipulative treatment may resolve dacryostenosis, a common newborn condition causing watery eyes. This non-invasive approach successfully treated a 9-month-old infant, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Dacryostenosis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, is a frequent cause of epiphora and discharge in newborns.
- Most cases spontaneously resolve, but persistent symptoms beyond 6-12 months may necessitate invasive interventions like surgical probing.
Abstract:
Dacryostenosis is an obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct and is the most common cause of epiphora and ocular discharge in newborns. Whereas most cases resolve spontaneously, invasive treatment may become necessary if symptoms persist past age 6 to 12 months. In the present case, a 9-month-old boy with persistent dacryostenosis was scheduled for lacrimal duct probing after first-line treatments failed. After a single session of osteopathic manipulative treatment, the patient's epiphora and other symptoms resolved, and he no longer needed surgical probing. A review of the literature highlights key pathophysiologic processes, management options, and musculoskeletal aspects of dacryostenosis. Physicians should consider osteopathic manipulative treatment in the management of dacryostenosis.
