Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) occurs in approximately 10 to 20% of all term newborns, and is the most common cause of persistent tearing and ocular discharge in children. CNLDO causes symptoms in up to 6% of children during the first year of life. The first clinical signs appear during the first month of life in 95% of cases and usually consist of tearing and debris on the eyelashes ("mattering"). Mucopurulent eye discharge occurs commonly in infants with CNLDO and, in the absence of other signs of infection, suggests bacterial overgrowth in the stagnant tear pool of the lacrimal sac.

This study investigates whether early administration of Euphrasia eye drops (Weleda AG, Arlesheim) in preterm neonates presenting with first ocular discharge with or without tearing and reddened eye fosters the resolution of the ocular discharge and reduces the need for topical antibiotic therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm neonates (with a gestational age of 24 to 37 weeks)
• Presenting with first signs of a congestion of the nasolacrimal duct, i.e. white, yellow, or green ocular discharge with or without tearing and reddened eye.
• Written informed consent by the parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital abnormalities of the eye
• Ophtalmia neonatorum
• Severe asphyxia
• Sepsis
• Intracranial bleeding (intraventricular hemorrhage ≥ grade III)