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Results of late probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1986
Insights
Delayed probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after 13 months of age shows high success rates. This study supports waiting to perform probing, as most cases resolve with conservative management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is common in infants.
- Early probing is a standard treatment, but optimal timing is debated.
- Medical management is often effective for CNLDO.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probing for CNLDO in patients over 13 months of age.
- To determine if delaying surgical intervention impacts success rates.
- To support the practice of delayed probing based on clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 104 patients (138 eyes) with CNLDO.
- All patients underwent probing after 13 months of age.
- Success was defined as resolution of obstruction after the first probing.
Main Results:
- A high success rate of 93.5% (129 out of 138 eyes) was observed after the initial probing.
- No complications were reported in the study.
- The results indicate significant efficacy of probing in this age group.
Conclusions:
- Probing after 13 months of age is a highly effective treatment for CNLDO.
- Delaying probing until after 13 months may be a safe and effective approach.
- This supports conservative management and delayed surgical intervention for CNLDO.
Abstract:
One hundred four consecutive patients (138 eyes) with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were probed after the age of 13 months. One hundred twenty-nine eyes (93.5) were cured after the first probing. Based on this study and others showing the effectiveness of medical management, it is the current practice of the authors to delay probing until the patient is at least 13 months of age.