Acquired lacrimal drainage apparatus obstruction in children

Elizabeth M McElnea1, James E Elder2, Thomas G Hardy3

  • 1Orbital, Plastics and Lacrimal Clinic, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Insights

Pediatric acquired lacrimal drainage apparatus (LDA) obstruction is rare but treatable. Common causes include infections and trauma, with surgical interventions yielding positive outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Pediatric acquired lacrimal drainage apparatus (LDA) obstruction is less common than congenital cases.
  • Etiology and treatment outcomes for acquired LDA obstruction in children require further definition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes of acquired LDA obstruction in children.
  • To describe the management strategies and outcomes for this condition.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records for patients 16 years or younger.
  • Analysis of patients presenting with acquired epiphora.

Main Results:

  • 31 pediatric patients (mean age 10.9 years) were included.
  • Key causes identified: keratoconjunctivitis, herpes simplex blepharokeratoconjunctivitis, and trauma.
  • Management involved silicone tube intubation, dacryocystorhinostomy, and lacrimal bypass tubes.

Conclusions:

  • Acquired LDA obstruction should be suspected in children with persistent epiphora.
  • Surgical management approaches are comparable to those used in adult patients.
Abstract

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