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Problems of the lacrimal system in children
1Pediatric Ophthalmology, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1987
Insights
A blocked nasolacrimal duct is a common tear drainage issue. Conservative management is typically recommended, with surgical probing reserved for cases unresolved by age one.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- The lacrimal system produces tears and facilitates drainage.
- Blockages in the nasolacrimal duct are the most frequent lacrimal system abnormality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on managing blocked nasolacrimal ducts.
- To determine the optimal treatment strategy for this common condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing medical literature and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of treatment outcomes for conservative versus surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- Conservative management is the preferred initial approach for blocked nasolacrimal ducts.
- Surgical probing is generally reserved for persistent cases that do not resolve spontaneously by one year of age.
Conclusions:
- Early conservative treatment is effective for most nasolacrimal duct blockages.
- Timely intervention with probing can be successful for refractory cases.
Abstract:
The lacrimal system is composed of various glands to produce tears and a drainage system for tear removal. The most common abnormality is a defect or blockage in the drainage system, a blocked nasolacrimal duct. Most of the evidence favors conservative management of this condition, reserving probing for those that fail to resolve by one year of age.