Repeated probing results in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE To assess the results of our protocol of repeated probing for the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in various presentations. METHODS A total of 1600 patients (1748 eyes) with congenital dacryocystitis (850 boys, 750 girls; age range, 1 month to 48 months [mean 16.54 +/- 12.21 months]) were included. Diagnosis was confirmed by history of tearing, crusting of lids, and a boggy swelling over inner canthal region, which on pressure ejected mucopurulent discharge through punctum. Antibiotic eye drops were instilled five times a day for a week in affected eyes after the mother pressed the sac area and cleaned the discharge. The cases that were not relieved were subjected to sequential probing dilating with an increasing diameter probe repeated in failed cases second and third times at 1-week interval. RESULTS Medical treatment was effective in only 60 eyes (3.43%). Probing and syringing achieved successful results in 790 eyes (100%) aged 1 month to 12 months; 330 eyes (99.40%) aged 12 months to 18 months; 200 eyes (98%) aged 18 months to 24 months; 150 eyes (95.24%) aged 24 months to 36 months; and 158 eyes (89.87%) aged 36 months to 48 months. The cure rate with first probing was 98.10%, second probing was 99.64%, and third probing was 100%. CONCLUSIONS Our protocol of medical regime and early probing repeated two to three times was very effective in the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction at all ages. A second and third probing was recommended after 1 week of the first probing with successful results if first probing failed.