Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction at Prince Rashed Hospital, Irbid, Jordan

Abstract EN

Objectives : To estimate the frequency of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to assess the results of its management.

Material and Methods: A prospective study of 80 consecutive patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, conducted from 2005 to December 2005 at Prince Rashed Hospital.

the age of twelve months were included in the study. Diagnosis was made by history of epiphora beginning early in life with obstruction clinically confirmed on examination.

Antibiotic drops and massage of the lacrimal sac was advised.

Probing was carried out for the no resolving cases at the age of one year, and balloon dilatation for the failed case. Results : A total of 80 patients with CNLDO were included in the study.

Thirty six (45 %) of these infants had presented within the first two months of life.

Out of these 80 patients 8 patients were lost to follow up.

Out of remaining 72 patients, 66 (82.5 %) recovered with conservative treatment with topical antibiotics within one year.

Only 6 (7.5 %) of the patients required probing ; success was achieved in five (83.3 %) patients and the one who failed was referred for intubation and balloon dilatation at King Hussein Medical Center, Amman. Conclusion : Spontaneous improvement of CNLDO is the natural course in most patients and probing for unresponsive cases is recommended at one year of age.