Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is the most common ocular abnormality in children, aged less than 1 year. Noncanalization of the inferior caudal end of the duct is the most common cause. Spontaneous resolution of the obstruction occurs in 96% of the children in the first year of life. Conservative management including lacrimal sac massage and antibiotics, is the mainstay in this age group. For older children nasolacrimal probing efficiently deals with most of the obstructions, however, the timing for probing remains controversial. The other invasive treatments like silicon tube intubation, balloon catheter dilation or Dacryocystorhinostomy may be considered in cases refractory to probing.