Success rates of nasolacrimal duct probing at time intervals after 1 year of age

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the success rate of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after 1 year of age.

Design: A record review.

Participants and intervention: Two hundred fifty-two patients with 303 obstructed nasolacrimal ducts underwent probing and irrigation by the author between 1971 and 1997 while under brief general anesthesia.

Main outcome measures: Successful outcome of probing was defined as absence of tearing and discharge in the affected eye.

Results: The overall cure rate in all patients was 92%, varying from 88.9% to 96.8% at different age intervals up to and beyond 3 years of age. Chi-square analysis showed no significant change in cure rate with increasing age.

Conclusion: Probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction beyond 1 year of age is highly successful, and the cure rate does not vary significantly at intervals of increasing age.