An unusual complication of nasolacrimal duct probing

A 4-mm segment of the tip of a 0000 probe broke off inside the nasolacrimal duct of an 11-month-old girl during probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Despite numerous attempts, the tip could not be extracted. Examination of the 000 end of the double-ended probe showed a narrow neck approximately 4 mm from the bulbous tip. Choosing an appropriate probe design, inspecting the probe before use, and selecting the appropriate probe size will help prevent this unusual complication.