Related Experiment Videos
The natural history of congenital epiphora
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|February 11, 1981
Insights
Most infants with congenital epiphora (tear duct obstruction) will resolve spontaneously. Of 180 infants studied, 169 (94%) experienced self-cure by 21 months without intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Congenital epiphora, or tear duct obstruction, is a common condition in infants.
- While often self-limiting, the natural resolution rate and timeline require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the spontaneous resolution rate of congenital epiphora in infants.
- To establish the typical age range for self-resolution of tear duct obstruction.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis combining data from three distinct case series of congenital epiphora.
- Longitudinal observation of 180 infants diagnosed with tear duct obstruction.
Main Results:
- A projected 169 out of 180 infants (94%) demonstrated spontaneous resolution of their congenital epiphora.
- The majority of cases resolved by 21 months of age, indicating a high rate of self-cure.
Conclusions:
- Congenital epiphora frequently resolves without the need for active treatment.
- Observation until 21 months of age is a viable approach for managing most cases of infantile tear duct obstruction.
Abstract:
By combining three series of congenital epiphora cases it is shown that of projected 180 infants with tear duct obstruction at 7.5 months of age 169 (94 percent) will cure themselves if left untreated till 21 months.