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

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the success rate of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after 1 year of age. A record review. 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. Successful outcome of probing was defined as absence of tearing and discharge in the affected eye. 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. 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.