[Congenital nasolacrimal obstruction: successful treatment factors].

PURPOSE To evaluate the possibility of epiphora relief in congenital nasolacrimal obstruction according to the age of the beginning of epiphora complaint and treatment effectiveness. METHODS Forty children with congenital nasolacrimal obstruction underwent treatment between 1997 and 1999 and were evaluated according to: age of start of epiphora, the results of the treatment and the possibility of successful outcome. The data were submitted to statistical analysis by the binomial proportional test between and within populations. RESULTS The success rate was worst when the epiphora started after the age of 4 months and results were similar on massage and probing, cure occurring even beyond 3 years of age. CONCLUSION According to our results, the relief of epiphora was worst when starting at age over 4 months. Massage and probing may have good results even in children older than 3 years.