The Importance Of Timing In Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

INTRODUCTION: Object: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of probing to treatcongenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS: In this study, 53 eyes of 39 patients who underwent probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of the procedure. The operation time of the first group was 11-18 months and the second group was more than 18 months. After the procedure, efficacy and safety status were monitored.


RESULTS: There was 21 female and 18 male patients. The mean age of the patients were 13.56 months in the first group, and 25.94 months in the second group.While 30 eyes of 22 patients were studied in the first group, 23 eyes of 17 patients in the second group. The mean follow-up period was 26.15 months. The success rate was 96.7% in Group 1and 78.3% in Group 2. No complication was observed during follow-up.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, probing procedure is highly effective especially in the early age group. The procedure is also effective and safe in delayed cases.