Spontaneous Resolution and Timing of Intervention in Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Down syndrome is a risk factor for developing corneal ulcers following nasolacrimal duct stenting

Nasolacrimal duct stents are often used to treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Rarely, corneal ulcers may develop following stent placement. Of the 349 monocanalicular stents placed in 253 patients with congenital NLDO over a period of 33 months at our institution, 4 stents (1.1%) resulted in corneal ulcers. Three occurred in children with Down syndrome (n = 35); 1 occurred in a child retroactively diagnosed with neurotrophic keratitis. The 3 cases indicate a statistically significant increased relative risk of corneal ulcer formation in children with Down syndrome compared with the remaining patients (9% vs 0.46%; relative risk = 18.68; P = 0.0102).

Management and outcomes of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in trisomy 21 patients vs. non-trisomy 21 patients within a paediatric population: a 5-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To assess the management of patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in a paediatric population and review the long-term outcomes over a 5-year interval, with particular emphasis on the difference between patients with trisomy 21 and those without trisomy 21.

METHODS

This single-centre, retrospective, cross-sectional, case review study included patients suffering from CNLDO at Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS foundation Trust. Patients were divided into two groups: Non-trisomy 21 and trisomy 21. Patients were followed-up for a 60-month interval. Patients aged <12 months at the time of surgery, patients with <60 months of follow-up data and patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were excluded. The main outcome measures were discharge rates in patients undertaking primary intervention with syringe and probe (S&P), number of patients requiring further treatment with lacrimal intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and overall symptom-free periods post-treatment.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (142 eyes) were included. The mean number of surgical interventions was 1.53 ± 0.65. The mean interval between the 1st and 2nd intervention was 15.54 ± 16.33 months. There was a trend towards greater success rates non-trisomy 21 patients versus patients with trisomy 21 (p = 0.1352). The average symptom-free period after the final intervention was 44.31 ± 20.68 months, significantly longer in the non-trisomy 21 group compared to the trisomy 21 group (p = 0.0074).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall success rate after primary S&P was 55.9%. Our results suggest that in trisomy 21 patients suffering from CNLDO, a one-stage intervention with primary monocanalicular intubation should be considered instead of sequential approach.

Pediatric nasolacrimal duct intubation using deep sedation outside the operating room- comparison of three types of stents

BACKGROUND

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions that persist after 9 months of age often require surgical intervention through probing and stenting of the tear duct. These procedures typically occur under general anesthesia in an operating room setting. We propose a novel approach using intravenous sedation outside the operating room.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of patients at a tertiary pediatric hospital treated for nasolacrimal duct obstruction from 2018 to 2023 using monocanalicular Monoka, Masterka, and LacriJet nasolacrimal stents. All procedures were performed outside of the operating room under intravenous sedation provided by a specialized sedation team. Symptom resolution, sedation duration and complications were reviewed for each type of stent.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients (81 stents) were included in our analysis. Of the 81 stents used, 32 were Monoka, 15 Masterka, and 34 LacriJet. Symptoms resolved in 86% of the eyes. Sedation side effects were minor and infrequent. Occasionally brief apnea, hypoxia, hypotension or laryngospasm occurred, but in no cases were patients harmed or was hospitalization required. A single factor analysis of variance showed no statistically significant difference between the stents for recurrence or sedation time. The Fisher exact test suggested a higher risk of side effects in the Monoka group.

CONCLUSIONS

In our pediatric patient cohort, nasolacrimal duct stenting procedures have a high success rate and safety profile when performed under deep sedation outside of the operating room.

Incidence and clinical characteristics of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with concurrent craniofacial abnormalities among a population-based cohort

PURPOSE

Data supporting treatment recommendations for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in patients with craniofacial abnormalities is scarce. This study reports the incidence, clinical features, and outcomes of patients with concomitant craniofacial abnormalities and CNLDO.

METHODS

This multi-center, retrospective, population-based cohort study included all patients diagnosed with CNLDO before age 6 during a 10-year period in a single US county.

RESULTS

Of the 17,713 live births during the study period, 1998 infants were diagnosed with CNLDO, among whom 41 (2.05%) had associated congenital craniofacial abnormalities, yielding a birth prevalence of 23.1 (95% CI 16.6-31.4) per 10,000 live births. Craniofacial patients were significantly older at time of diagnosis (6.2 months) compared to uncomplicated CNLDO (3.7 months; p = 0.035). There was no significant difference in mean age at spontaneous CNLDO resolution, but 31.7% of craniofacial patients required probing for CNLDO resolution, compared to 14.5% in the CNLDO group (OR 2.76 [95%CI 1.41-5.39] p = 0.003). All but two patients with craniofacial abnormalities had resolution of symptoms after initial probing. Intraoperative probing findings indicated that 8 of 13 craniofacial patients had complex obstructions.

CONCLUSIONS

The similar age at spontaneous resolution indicates that watchful waiting until approximately one year of age is a reasonable approach even in patients with craniofacial abnormalities, though more of these patients may require surgical intervention.

The effect of age on congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction probing and stent intubation outcomes in pediatric Down syndrome patients

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of age at time of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) intervention on symptom resolution and reoperation rates in patients with Down syndrome (DS).

METHODS

The medical records of patients with DS and CNLDO between 2012 and 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Age at the time of first stent placement was utilized to categorize patients into age groups <3 and >3 years of age. Epiphora resolution at last office visit and restenting rate were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

A total of 49 patients with DS and CLNDO were identified between 2012 and 2021; of these, 17 had received surgical stent placement with appropriate follow-up. Epiphora resolution (X21= 0.78, P = 0.33), restenting rate (X21 = 2.84, P = 0.09), cumulative stent duration (P = 0.33) and number of stent placement operations (P = 0.98) were not significantly different between the age groups. There was no significant difference between stent duration <1 year or >1 year with regard to epiphora resolution (X21 = 0.91, P = 0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Success of stent placement and reoperation rates among patients with DS and CNLDO were not associated with age and duration of stent intubation. Intervention at later ages may still be beneficial for symptom resolution in patients with DS.

Comparative efficacy of probing with or without intubation, and/or inferior turbinate fracture in simple congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a randomized clinical trial

To compare the success rates of probing with or without monocanalicular intubation, and/or inferior turbinate fracture in resolving simple congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted on children aged 12-36 months exhibiting symptoms of epiphora and/or mucous discharge along with a positive fluorescein dye disappearance test (DDT). Patients were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: (1) probing; (2) probing and monocanalicular intubation; (3) probing and inferior turbinate fracture; (4) probing, inferior turbinate fracture, and monocanalicular intubation. Participants were categorized into two age groups (12-24 months and 24-36 months) and assessed for resolution of CNLDO three months post-surgery. Success was defined as the absence of epiphora or mucopurulent discharge and a negative DDT. Among the 201 participants, 51 underwent probing alone, 53 underwent probing with intubation, 47 underwent probing with turbinate fracture, and 50 underwent probing with turbinate fracture and intubation. No significant differences were observed in age, gender, or laterality of the disease between the groups (Ps > 0.05). While there was no significant difference in success rates among interventions in both age groups (Ps > 0.05), patients aged 24-36 months who underwent interventions involving intubation exhibited a significantly higher success rate compared to those without intubation (93.0% vs. 76.2%; P = 0.018). However, this difference was not observed in patients aged 12-24 months (95.7% vs. 92.9%; P = 0.551). Incorporating interventions such as intubation and/or turbinate fracture alongside conventional probing does not significantly alter the success rate of simple CNLDO resolution in children aged 12-24 months. However, older patients (24-36 months) may derive greater benefits from interventions involving intubation.

Probing and nasolacrimal intubation outcomes in children over 18 Months of age with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Purpose

To evaluate how risk factors impact success rates of initial probing and nasolacrimal duct (NLD) tube intubation in children over 18 months of age with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

Methods

This cohort study included 98 CNLDO patients aged 18 months to 10 years who underwent NLD probing with stent insertion. We employed the multivariate frailty model as our final model to conceptually elaborate on our correlated eye data, with the primary outcome measure evaluating the success rates of probing and tube intubation. Factors such as age, probing complexity, tube type, prior surgeries, and passive smoking were considered in the evaluation.

Results

The study involved 98 patients (54 males, 44 females) with a mean age of 41.46 months and an average follow-up of 98.37 days (95 % CI 87.65-109.1). Out of the 110 eyes that underwent surgery, 13 (11.8 %) experienced failure while 97 (88.2 %) were censored. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated significant differences in age category and probing (P-value = 0.03 and 0.006 respectively), but not tube type (P-value = 0.8). Multivariable analysis confirmed that older age and complex probing were associated with higher failure rates in CNLDO cases, with each monthly increase correlating to a two percent higher likelihood of intubation failure.

Conclusions

Patient age and probing complexity influence CNLDO treatment, impacting surgical techniques and outcomes. Tube type, prior surgery, and passive smoking have no significant impact on treatment success.

Lacrimal sac massage for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

AIM

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is the most common cause of epiphora and mucous discharge in the newborn. We conducted a multicentre randomised controlled trial to determine whether Crigler massage promotes the resolution of CNLDO in infants under 1 year of age.

METHODS

A total of 102 infants aged 3-11 months with unilateral CNLDO were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the massage and non-massage groups (n=51/group). As an allocation adjustment factor, the patients were divided into age groups of 3-5, 6-8 and 9-11 months. In the massage group, the guardian performed 10 strokes two times per day for each day until resolution or 1 month. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the 1-month resolution rate in the massage and non-massage groups.

RESULTS

This study included 49 male and 53 female patients with a mean age of 6.4±2.4 months. Overall, in this study, the resolution rate was not significantly different between the massage and non-massage groups (31.4% and 33.3%, respectively). However, the resolution rate was higher in the massage group in the 3-5 months age group among the protocol-compliant patients after excluding those with insufficient massage frequency (the massage group, 68.8% and the non-massage group, 28.6%, p=0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no increase in the resolution rate after 1 month of lacrimal sac massage in patients 3-11 months old with unilateral CNLDO. However, in protocol-compliant younger age groups, Crigler massage may be effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000032840; www.umin.ac.jp/).

Diversity in Lacrimal Pathway Morphology Among Patients with Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Purpose

This prospective observational study aimed to explore the diversity in lacrimal pathway morphology among patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) by examining dacryocystography (DCG) images.

Patients and Methods

The study included 64 patients who underwent DCG before undergoing general anesthesia probing for unilateral CNLDO. Several parameters were measured from the lateral view of the DCG images: (1) the lacrimal sac (LS) and the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) angle, (2) the angle formed by the superior orbital rim (SOR), LS, and the NLD, (3) LS length, and (4) bony NLD length. Additionally, frontal views of the DCG images were utilized to measure (5) LS-NLD angle and (6) LS angle concerning the midline.

Results

The average age of the patients was 34.3 months. The mean ± standard deviation of the measurements of the above parameters was (1) -1.2° ± 16.5° (range: -44.6° ± 46.6°), (2) -5.0° ± 10.3° (range: -24.0° ± 19.0°), (3) 10.2 ± 2.4 mm (range: 6.5-16.0 mm), (4) 8.0 ± 2.5 mm (range: 3.1-14.8 mm), (5) 15.6° ± 11.2° (range: -16.8° ± 41.0°), and (6) 15.1 ± 5.2° (range: 3.3°-29.8°). All parameters, except for parameter (3), conformed to a normal distribution.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable anthropometric data derived from DCG images, highlighting the substantial variability in lacrimal pathway morphology among patients with CNLDO. Furthermore, anatomical constraints made probing with a straight metal bougie anatomically infeasible in 25.0% of the patients included in this study.

The incidence of pediatric dacryocystitis among a population-based cohort of infants with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

PURPOSE

To report the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of acute dacryocystitis among a large, population-based cohort of children born with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) over a 10-year period.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective, population-based cohort study included all patients diagnosed with acute dacryocystitis in a cohort of patients diagnosed with CNLDO before age 5 years in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States of America from January 1, 1995, through December 31, 2004.

RESULTS

Of 1,998 patients with CNLDO, there were 70 cases (36 female [(51%)]) of acute dacryocystitis during the study, yielding an incidence rate of 243 per 100,000 children (95% CI, 170-316). Mean age at diagnosis was 9.0 months. Patients who developed dacryocystitis were significantly less likely to be born via C-section (OR = 0.29, P = 0.009). Less than half of patients with dacryocystitis were treated with oral/intravenous antibiotics (46%), but whose who were had a significantly higher odds of requiring probing (OR = 8.50, P = 0.004). Spontaneous CNLDO resolution was significantly less likely to occur in patients diagnosed with acute dacryocystitis compared with those without (OR = 2.46, P = 0.001). The median age of spontaneous resolution in the dacryocystitis group (6.0 months) was significantly older than the uncomplicated CNLDO group (P = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric acute dacryocystitis is an uncommon complication of CNLDO and is associated with both a lower likelihood of and older age at spontaneous resolution of CNLDO symptoms.

Unlocking the secrets of success in probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: investigating the factors that matter

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of different factors on the success rate of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 eyes of 202 patients who underwent probing for CNLDO between 2014 and 2019. Patients were divided into three age groups (12-24 months, 25-36 months, and over 36 months) and two groups based on the type of membranous obstruction (MO) and incomplete complex obstruction (ICO), with complete complex obstruction (CCO) cases being excluded. The study involved administering general anesthesia (GA) to all participants during the probing procedure. The patients were then monitored at scheduled intervals for up to 6 months after the surgery. Success was defined as an improvement in symptoms and signs, and logistic regression and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 25.48 ± 13.38 months, and the total success rate was 86.61%. The success rate for MO was 92.8%, 95.87%, and 97% in age groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The success rate for ICO was 91.17%, 80%, and 23.52% in age groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The success rate for MO was significantly higher than ICO in all age groups. The success rate for ICO was significantly lower in age group 3 (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The study found that probing performed within the first 36 months had high success rates regardless of age and type of obstruction. However, the success rate significantly decreased in patients undergoing probing for ICO at 36 months or later.

Anisometropia and Amblyopia Outcomes in Early Versus Late Resolution of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Older Infants

PURPOSE

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a known risk factor for amblyopia and anisometropia. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the rate of anisometropia and amblyopia development differed based on the age at CNLDO resolution in older infants.

METHODS

This retrospective chart review at a single tertiary children's hospital from 2007 to 2017 compared early versus late spontaneous resolution (cutoff 12 months) and intervention (cutoff 15 months) groups presenting at ≥9 months of age, comparing visual outcomes, including anisometropia (≥1 D of sphere or cylinder) and amblyopia (≥2 levels difference in Teller acuity or optotype testing). Parents/guardians were contacted by phone for missing data on spontaneous resolution or intervention status.

RESULTS

A total of 462 patients were included (152 early; 310 late group). The early group presented at a median age of 12.0 (interquartile range: 10.0, 13.0) months, while the late group presented at 21.0 (interquartile range: 15.0, 32.0) months. Unilateral disease occurred in 62% and 59%, respectively. Anisometropia was seen in (12/102) 12% of early versus (25/243) 10% of late patients (p = 0.686, 95% CI: -0.059, 0.088), and amblyopia in (4/131) 3% of early versus (14/286) 5% of late patients (p = 0.322, 95% CI: -0.061, 0.018). In patients presenting <24 months without undergoing surgery, spontaneous resolution occurred in 76% between 12 and 24 months (n = 41).

CONCLUSIONS

Anisometropia and amblyopia rates did not significantly differ between early and delayed intervention for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in this retrospective cohort presenting beyond 9 months of age to a children's hospital. This study found frequent late spontaneous resolution.

Management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is common in Down Syndrome (DS), and more difficult to treat. Our purpose was to describe the management of CNLDO in paediatric patients with DS.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. Medical chart review of all DS patients diagnosed with CNLDO at the Division of Ophthalmology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia during a 12-year period (2009-2020). Main outcome measures included: Surgical interventions, primary probing outcome, rate of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and/or conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR), and overall success.

RESULTS

126 patients (236 eyes) were included, mean age of 1.8 ± 2.1 years (range 0.1-11.3 y), 110 (87%) had bilateral CNLDO. Mean follow-up time was 41 months. 84 patients (67%) underwent at least one surgical intervention; the mean number of surgical interventions in this group was 1.8 ± 1.4 per patient (range, 1-6). The most common primary intervention was probing (n = 74, 88%), mostly (n = 57, 68%) with monocanalicular silicone intubation. Probing with silicone intubation had a higher success rate compared to probing alone (P = 0.002). Twenty (24% of 84) patients underwent DCR/CDCR during the follow-up period. Complete resolution was achieved in 123 patients (98%).

CONCLUSIONS

CNLDO in Down syndrome is associated with high rates of bilateral obstructions and with less favourable surgical outcomes. Many patients ultimately require a more robust surgical intervention such as DCR or CDCR. The use of monocanalicular stent in initial probing was associated with a higher success rate, and would appear to be appropriate in all CNLDO-DS cases.

Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Pediatric Ocular Diseases

Vision is an important aspect of a child's quality of life and intellectual, social, and emotional development. Disruptions to vision during infancy and early childhood can cause lifelong vision impairment or blindness. However, early identification and treatment of eye disease can prevent loss of sight and its consequent long-term effects. Therefore, screening guidelines exist to guide physicians in detecting the most common threats to sight in the different stages of infancy and childhood. This review describes common causes of pediatric vision impairment, the recommended screening guidelines for diagnosing them, and current treatment modalities.

Primary Monocanalicular Stent Intubation for Children With Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Surgical Outcome and Risk Factors

PURPOSE

To determine the risk factors impacting the surgical success of primary monocanalicular stent intubation for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

METHODS

This is a retrospective interventional case series of patients 18 years and younger treated more than a 12-year period with monocanalicular stent intubation with inferior turbinate fracture for CNLDO by a single surgeon. Patients with dacryocystoceles, dacryocystitis, Down syndrome and previous tear duct surgery were excluded. An intraoperative grading scale of tear duct stenosis, date of stent removal, stent length, and postoperative symptoms were recorded. Surgical success was defined as the complete resolution of symptoms.

RESULTS

One thousand four hundred sixty-nine stents were placed in 1,001 pediatric participants (533 unilateral, 468 bilateral). The mean age at surgery was 1.86 years (0.1-18.07). The mean follow up was 34.99 months (0.43-134.3) with mean in-office stent removal at 3.41 months (0.63-36.9). Early stent loss occurred in 14.8% intubations (217/1,469). The overall success rate was 92.4% (1,357/1,469 eyes). Subjects less than the age of 4 years had a success rate of 92.8% (1,296/1,397) compared with 84.7% (61/72) in children more than 4. In multivariable analysis, bilateral surgery, severe tear duct stenosis, and early stent loss were significantly associated with higher risk of surgical failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe tear duct stenosis, early stent loss, and bilateral surgery were significant risk factors for surgical failure. While the success rate stratified by age at surgery suggested a lower success after the age of 4. Primary monocanalicular stent intubation is an effective and safe treatment for CNLDO sparing a child the need for multiple staged surgeries.

Retrospective analysis of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction outcomes in a tertiary referral center

Background

The aim of this study was to profile patients with simple and complex congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to determine the success rates of interventions at a third-level referral center.

Methods

In this retrospective and comparative study, medical records of patients with CNLDO were reviewed. Demographic data, types of CNLDO, surgical approach, type of silicone intubation, as well as outcome were recorded up to 3 months after the intervention. Obstruction location was identified by probing and irrigation following the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) approach. Success rates were calculated for treatment approach and age group.

Results

Based on the outcome of 130 eyes with CNLDO, the overall success rate was 96%. The mean age of patients was 2.5 ± 2.2 months; 73% of cases were simple and 27% were complex CNLDO. Five children had to undergo reoperation; consequently, there was a lower success rate in the complex CNLDO (91%) than in the simple CNLDO subgroup (97%). There was a male predominance (61.5%), which was also present in the simple and complex CNLDO subgroups. The most frequent type of CNLDO was complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO, 55.4%), followed by partial (17.7%) and bony NLDO (11.5%). In 87% of eyes, initial probing was performed followed by dacryocystorhinostomy (10%). Mono- or bi-canalicular lacrimal drainage system intubation was used in 86% of eyes.

Conclusion

The AAO-based diagnostic approach followed by an individualized treatment regimen yielded excellent success rates of 96% in unselected patients with CNLDO. These success rates were independent of patient age or gender.

Age-Specific Outcomes of Conservative Approach and Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Purpose

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Ocular Disorders in the Newborn

Visual development begins at birth and continues throughout childhood. Ocular pathology can lead to permanent visual impairment and subsequent problems in overall development and school performance as well as signify serious systemic disease or even life-threatening malignancies. Prompt identification of congenital or early acquired ocular pathology via regular bedside ocular examinations and assessments of visual behaviors by neonatal clinicians is a critical component of newborn care. The goal of this article is to review the components of the newborn eye examination, describe key ocular findings and diagnoses that are common or critical to identify in the newborn period, and offer guidance on necessity and timing of ophthalmology referral.

Success rates of probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction at various ages

BACKGROUND

Although nasolacrimal duct probing is the standard treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) among children, the optimal timing of this procedure has been a topic of debate. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical efficacy of nasolacrimal duct probing among patients with CNLDO symptoms at various ages.

METHODS

An 8-year retrospective study involved 2434 patients (3009 eyes), who underwent nasolacrimal duct probing conducted under topical anesthesia in the operating theatre. The study group consisted of 1148 girls (47.2%) and 1286 boys (52.8%) from 2 weeks to 41 months (average age was 8 ± 5.6 months). The participants were divided into nine age groups: 0-2 months, 3-6 months, 7-9 months, 10-12 months, 13-15 months, 16-18 months, 19-21 months, 22-24 months and over 24 months.

RESULTS

Bilateral obstruction was present among 575 (23.6%) children and was associated with a higher percentage of unsuccessful procedures compared to patients with unilateral obstruction (16.9% vs 10.2%, p < 0.001 Chi-square test). The success rate of the initial probing was 87.2% for all children and it was shown that it decreased with age. In the above age groups, it was 87.9%; 91.4%; 89.6%; 86%; 76.3%; 71.3%; 70.3%; 70.2%; 65.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Probing is a safe and effective procedure. However, age at the time of the initial intervention and bilateral surgery constitute significant risk factors for failed probing. Probing between 7 and 9 months appears to be reasonable treatment strategy for children without recurrent infections. Early surgical intervention may be considered for patients with additional signs.

Management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: results of a national survey of paediatric and oculoplastic ophthalmologists

BACKGROUND

To survey variation in management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) by oculoplastic and paediatric ophthalmologists in the UK.

METHODS

A 14-question online survey was sent to all members of the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS) and the British and Irish Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Association (BIPOSA) in February 2020. The aim was to establish preferred primary, secondary and tertiary interventions for CNLDO treatment, with emphasis on the use of nasoendoscopy and ductal intubation. Results were compared with a national survey from 2007 to observe trends in management.

RESULTS

One hundred and three responses from single-speciality consultants were analysed. In total, 71.8% of CNLDO patients were assessed by paediatric ophthalmologists. Fluorescein dye disappearance test was the commonest investigation, and paediatric consultants were five times more likely to perform Jones test. No clinicians performed outpatient probing. Age of first intervention was most commonly 12 months, although more interventions are being conducted at younger ages than in 2007. Preferred primary procedure for both subspecialties was syringe and probe under general anaesthetic, with 43.9% of oculoplastic consultants using nasoendoscopy vs 12.9% of paediatric consultants. Most common re-do procedure for both subspecialties was nasoendoscopy-guided syringe and probe ± intubation. In contrast to 2007, dacryocystorhinostomy is now the commonest tertiary procedure, with endonasal approach twice as common as external.

CONCLUSION

Despite changes in approach since 2007, there is still considerable variation between oculoplastic and paediatric ophthalmologists regarding treatment preferences for CNLDO, particularly the use of nasoendoscopy. We propose a national audit of CNLDO treatment outcomes to potentially standardise treatment protocols.

Outcome of Primary Probing for Simple Membraneous Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Children Older Than 4 Years

PURPOSE

To report outcomes of nasolacrimal duct (NLD) probing in children 4 years and older with simple membranous NLD obstruction.

METHODS

The records of all patients 4 years and older with congenital NLD obstruction who underwent surgery from 1997 to 2015 at Washington University School of Medicine were retrospectively reviewed. Of 47 patients reviewed, 18 (38.3%) were found to have simple membranous obstructions and were included in this study. Simple membranous obstruction was present at the distal duct and was relieved with passage of the probes in all patients. Children with canalicular or diffuse distal NLD stenosis (as defined by a tight, gritty feeling or multiple obstructions when passing the probe through the bony portion of the NLD), trisomy 21, lacrimal trauma, or craniofacial abnormalities were excluded. A successful outcome was determined by resolution of epiphora and periocular crusting.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with ages ranging from 4.1 to 10.6 years with simple membranous NLD obstruction were treated. Sixteen of 18 (88.9%) patients had good outcomes following NLD probing. Two patients had persistent symptoms that resolved following balloon dilation and stent placement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the success rate of probing in older patients with simple membranous NLD obstruction was comparable to that of younger patients. NLD probing alone is a good treatment option for older children with simple membranous NLD obstruction. Additional procedures such as balloon catheter dilation or stent placement may not be necessary at the time of initial probing. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(1):44-47.].

Surgical management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction; one procedure for all versus all procedures for one

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

After failed conservative management, most clinicians treat congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in a conventional stepwise fashion: starting with probing, then repeat probing, next silicone intubation and/or balloon dilatation, and finally dacryocystorhinostomy. This approach is based on the patient's age and previously failed procedures and recruits 'one procedure for all' CNLDO. A newly introduced approach is based on the type of obstruction and recruits 'all procedures for one' CNLDO. The aim of this review is to examine the best available evidence regarding CNLDO management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent articles support the concept that through intraoperative evaluation of obstruction in CNLDO, clinicians may predict probing failure and instantaneously employ more appropriate treatment modalities. This review addresses whether an age-based approach should be changed into a one-stage obstruction-based approach.

SUMMARY

An age-based approach treats CNLDO as a homogeneous disease and thus treats all patients with one predetermined procedure. A one-stage obstruction-based approach, however, considers CNLDO to be a heterogeneous disease, and therefore allows recruitment of all procedures simultaneously and selects the best intraoperatively. It may allow replacement of the conventional stepwise approach to CNLDO treatment provided that randomized trials verify its efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.Video abstract http://links.lww.com/COOP/A30.