Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of probing in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and to evaluate the success rate among age groups.

METHODS

The charts of patients who underwent probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ ages at the time of probing, the presence of watering complaints and epiphora, and fluorescein dye disappearance test results after the procedure were recorded. Postoperative follow up, safety and efficacy were evaluated according to age groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (46 girls (55.0%), 38 boys (45.0%)) diagnosed as congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 16.4 months (12-34 month) and mean follow up was 10.4 months (6-18 months). Probing was performed to both eyes in 21 patients, i.e. to 66 eyes in total. Forty-six patients were between 12 and 24 months, and 38 patients were over 24 months. By probing, success was achieved in 78 of 105 eyes (74.3%). According to the age group, success rate of probing was 86.7% (52 of 60 eyes) in patients between 12-24 months and 57.7% (26 eyes of 45) in those over 24 months. No complications were noted during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Probing is an effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in cases not improving with conservative treatment in the early age group. As the age increases, the chance of success decreases, thus the application should not be delayed.