Short communication
English
Yassen A Aboushahma
Seventh of October University, Faculty of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Misurata, Libya
JMJ Vol.5 No. 1 (Spring) 2006: 59-61
Abstract
Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common problem, if it is not properly managed in early childhood, its treatment later on will be more difficult, expensive and less satisfactory. The files of 132 patients (165 eyes), with congenital epiphora, seen from June 1999 to May 2005 were studied retrospectively. In all the cases external digital massage of the lacrimal sac to increase its internal hydrostatic pressure, forcing the fluid to the nasolacrimal duct, aiding in its opening, were done on each visit, the parents were advised to do the same. When the duct opens during the massage, a click can be felt. Seventy five canals (45.5%) were opened in the first visit, 119 canals (72%) were opened by external massage at the age of one year . Only 16 canals (9.5%) ended with probing. The early the age of presentation to the ophthalmologist, the higher the success rates.
Keywords: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction, Epiphora
Link/DOI: http://www.jmj.org.ly/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=70