CONGENITAL NASOLACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION, MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW

Abstract

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common problem, this blockage of the tear duct system is present at birth. It affects up to (20%) of new-borns and typically causes excessive tearing, sticky eyelids, and mucus discharge. Most cases resolve on their own by 12 months of age. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]if it is not properly managed in early childhood, its treatment later on going to more difficult, expensive and less satisfactory. The files of 132 patients (165 eyes) with congenital epiphora, were studied retrospectively. In all the cases external digital massage at the lacrimal sac area were done at each visit, the parents were advised to do the same frequent times daily. When the duct opens during the massage, a click is felt. Seventy fife canals (45,5%) were opened at first visit. One hundred and nineteen canals (72%) were opened by the age of one year during the external massage. Only 16 canals (9.5%) ended with probing. The early the age of presentation, the higher the success rate of opening by external massage.