The Factors That Affected the Outcome of Treatment of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Case Control Study of the Factors That Affected the Outcome of Treatment of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

The purpose of this study was to investigate various potential factors that affected the outcome of treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common condition during the first few years of childhood. Most cases may resolve spontaneously, but the remaining children whose blockage does not resolve may require primary probing. Controversy remains regarding the optimal timing of the probing procedure. Another controversy is related to the setting of surgery. Therefore, we try to investigate the factors that affected the outcome of treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction under the same surgical doctor during the past 13 years in our hospital.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a history of tearing and/or mucopurulent discharge beginning during the first few weeks of life
• anatomical nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous probing
• glaucoma
• trauma
• lid malpositions
• craniofacial anomalies
• congenital mucocele of the nasolacrimal sac