The Importance Of Timing In Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO) is an important clinical condition that frequently occurs in pediatric patients and is characterized by epiphora, burrs and secretions in the eye. In untreated patients, it can cause serious complications such as dacryocystitis, preseptal and orbital cellulitis. In studies, the incidence of epiphora in infants was reported to be 6-20% (1,2,3). This obstruction, which is thought to be caused by a membranous structure, opens spontaneously within one year after birth at a rate of 80-90%. Medical treatment such as antibiotherapy and catheter application together with massage are the main treatment methods. Probing, bicanalicular silicone tube intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy treatments are performed for unopened obstructions until one year of age (4). However, there is no consensus on how long conservative treatment should be maintained and the timing of catheter application.