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The natural history of epiphora in childhood

R Maini1, C J MacEwen, J D Young

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.

Eye (London, England)
|December 16, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Delayed treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in infants does not lead to significant long-term lacrimal dysfunction. Epiphora in older children is often linked to allergies or infections, not early CNLDO.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is common in infants.
  • Epiphora, or excessive tearing, can be a symptom of CNLDO.
  • The long-term effects of delayed intervention for CNLDO require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and causes of epiphora in 7-year-old children.
  • To assess if a conservative management approach for CNLDO leads to later lacrimal dysfunction.
  • To identify factors associated with epiphora in childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A postal questionnaire surveyed parents of 7-year-old children regarding epiphora.
  • Previous data on epiphora at 3.5 years and infancy were utilized.
  • Epiphora was correlated with atopic disease and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI).

Main Results:

  • The incidence of epiphora was 5.5% at 3.5 years and 7.7% at 7 years.
  • At age 7, 70% of epiphora cases were associated with atopy or URTI.
  • CNLDO showed no significant relationship with epiphora in later childhood.

Conclusions:

  • Delaying nasolacrimal probing beyond one year for CNLDO is not associated with excess lacrimal dysfunction.
  • Epiphora in later childhood is more frequently linked to atopic disease or URTI.
  • Conservative management of CNLDO appears safe for long-term lacrimal function.
Abstract

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