The Anatomy of Probing and Irrigation for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Abstract

In this study, an easily palpable landmark, the supraorbital notch or foramen, was used to simplify the localization of the nasolacrimal duct during the probing procedure. The notch was palpated in 50 patients of a pediatric clinic. The topographic anatomy of the notch in relation to the lacrimal drainage system was studied in 10 skulls. The supraorbital notch is a convenient landmark for the guidance of a probe into the nasolacrimal canal. This technique should reduce the failure rate of probing without the need for infracturing of the lower turbinate or silicone intubation.