Probing in adults with nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Aim: To investigate the efficacy of probing in adults with epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Patients and methods: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of probing and irrigation of 72 lacrimal systems in 60 adults with nasolacrimal duct obstruction where epiphora was the only symptom. At follow-up, the procedure was considered successful if the epiphora had been resolved or reduced to an acceptable level for at least 6 months, and if the lacrimal system was patent on irrigation. Results: The patients comprised 44 women and 16 men with a mean age of 48.2 ± 12.9 years (range, 19.0 to 70.0 years). The patients had had epiphora for 1.0 to 60.0 months (mean, 18.5 ± 17.5 months). The treatment was successful in 77.8% of patients 6 months after the procedure. The follow-up period was 6.0 to 48.0 months (mean, 9.2 ± 7.0 months). Conclusion: Owing to the low morbidity rate, as well as the ease of use and low cost, probing can be recommended as an outpatient procedure for the initial treatment of adults with nasolacrimal duct obstruction who do not wish to undergo a surgical procedure.