Tear Lake Research Articles

Sclerosing Perineurioma of the Orbit.

A 7-week-old boy presented to pediatric ophthalmology with a mass inferior to the medial canthus of the OS that was first noticed on day 3 of life. Crigler massages, warm compresses, and moxifloxacin HCl drops were administered without resolution of symptoms. Probing and irrigation for a presumed dacryocystocele were performed, but the nasolacrimal system was patent, and the mass persisted after the procedure. Oculoplastics was consulted for further evaluation and management. On exam, the tear lake was normal, there was no discharge to palpation of either lacrimal sac, and there was no erythema. An MRI was obtained that showed a mass with nonspecific features abutting the lacrimal sac. A gross total resection of the mass was performed, and it was sent for histopathologic evaluation. Pathology results yielded a diagnosis of sclerosing perineurioma, a rare soft tissue tumor previously unreported in the orbit.

Long-term Surgical Outcomes in Patients of Centurion Syndrome: A Mystic Etiology of Epiphora in Young

ABSTRACT Aim To describe the clinical features and long-term outcomes of the medial canthal tendon (MCT) release procedure in patients with Centurion Syndrome (CS). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the diagnosed patients with CS from July 2013 to December 2019. CS was diagnosed clinically based on the anterior displacement of MCT, anterior dislocation of lacrimal punctum out of tear lake, prominent nasal bridge, beak sign, and synophyrs. All symptomatic patients were advised the anterior limb of MCT release with modified closure of the skin incision. The outcome measures were based on Munk’s score (subjective) and the fluorescein dye disappearance test (objective). A minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months was an inclusion criterion. Results We studied 22 patients (44 eyes) having a median age of 14.5 years. Anteriorly displaced MCT and lacrimal punctum were noted in 44 eyes (100%), prominent nasal bridge in 20 patients (90.9%), beak sign in 36 eyes (81.8%), and synophyrs in 17 (77.3%) patients. All 44 eyes underwent MCT release with adjunctive punctoplasty (n = 6 eyes) or lower eyelid retractor plication (n = 4 eyes). At a mean follow-up of 12.6 months, 26 eyes (59.1%) showed complete response, i.e., negative FDDT and grade 0 Munk score. Partial response was noted in 14 (31.8%) eyes, i.e., delayed FDDT and reduction of ≥2 grades on Munk score. Conclusion Along with the classic features of CS, beak sign and synophyrs are important diagnostic ophthalmic-facial features of CS. The transverse closure of surgical wounds may provide effective long-term benefits in the medial canthal tendon release procedure.

Dacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner\u2019s valve under nasoendoscopy for membranous congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction after probing failure: a retrospective study

BackgroundTo introduce a treatment option: dacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner’s valve under nasoendoscopy and assess its efficacy in treating membranous congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in children older than 1 year with history of initial probing failure.Methods52 eyes of 43 children with membranous CNLDO who underwent dacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner’s valve under nasoendoscopy between May 2012 and October 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All participants were older than 1 year and all the eyes had gone through probing at least once but still had symptoms of epiphora and discharge. Surgical success was defined as a normal fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) and the absence of pre-operation complaints, including epiphora, muco-purulent discharge, increased tear lake or the symptoms of acute infection such as acute dacryocystitis. Patients’ demographics, clinical features and follow-up outcomes were evaluated.ResultsOf all these operated cases, surgical success was achieved in 52/52 eyes without any early or late complications. The overall success rate was 100%.ConclusionsDacryoendoscopy-assisted incision of Hasner’s valve under nasoendoscopy is an effective and minimally invasive surgical treatment in membranous CNLDO patients with initial probing failure.

Place du NIBUT automatisé dans l’évaluation multimodale de la surface oculaire dans le syndrome sec avec le Lacrydiag

Dry eye disease is a very frequent condition with a significant impact on patients' quality of life. The most common clinical sign is fluorescein break up time (BUT). Recently, non-invasive measurement of BUT (NIBUT) by Placido disc analysis has been proposed to replace FBUT. We performed an automated NIBUT analysis using Lacrydiag and compared the values obtained with other typical dry eye criteria. A retrospective study was carried out in the Bicêtre ophthalmology department from July 1 through October 30. Dry eye patients over 18 years of age with Oxford scores>1 and OSDI scores>22 were included. They underwent slit lamp examination to determine fluorescein BUT, Oxford and Arita MGD scores. On the same day, they were tested with the Lacrydiag to assess NIBUT, tear lake height and meibography. OSDI and Schirmer's testing were performed on the date of examination. In this study, only patients' right eyes were included. The correlation between NIBUT and OSDI, Schirmer's testing and tear lake height was analyzed by Pearson's test. The correlation between NIBUT and fluorescein BUT was analysed by both Pearson and Bland-Altman statistical tests. Thirty right eyes (21 women, 9 men) were included. The mean age was 62.3 years (SD 16.0), mean OSDI 49.4 (SD=20.1), mean Oxford score 3.33 (SD 2.1), mean NIBUT 6.91sec (SD 3.4), and mean FBUT 3.6sec (SD 1.8). The NIBUT and FBUT were significantly correlated (R=0.139; P=0.042), with an even more significant concordance (r=0.55; P=0.001) on Bland-Altman graphic analysis, but the mean NIBUT was 2.7 seconds higher than the FBUT (P=0.001 on Bland-Altman analysis). In addition, NIBUT was correlated with the Oxford score (R=0.156; P=0.031), but not with Schirmer I score (R=0.120; P=0.061), OSDI score (R=0.018; P=0.48), tear lake height (R=0.04; P=0.148), or Arita meibomian gland dysfunction score (R=0; P=0.933). NIBUT is a possible alternative to FBUT for the measurement of tear film stability, with the advantage of lack of dependence on the amount of fluorescein instilled. In addition, modern imaging methods allow for automated, and thus reproducible, measurement. However, its role in the diagnostic tool kit remains to be precisely defined, especially given its weak correlation with other markers of dry eye and its significant difference from FBUT. The definitive diagnosis of dry eye thus remains based on the combined analysis of signs and symptoms.

Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in tear film of Keratoconus patients.

Background:It is hypothesized that increased inflammatory markers in keratoconus (KC) may be one of the causes of corneal damage. The aim of our study was to the measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL)-6 in tear of patients with KC and investigate their relationship with the severity of KC.Materials and Methods:The current study was performed on KC patients and healthy controls with a case-control setting. Tear levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were measured after collecting the tears from the tear lake using a filter paper via Schirmer I method without anesthesia.Results:Eighty-one KC patients (mean age 29.45 ± 5.06 years) and 85 controls (mean age 28.01 ± 5.14 years) were enrolled. The mean levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were 26.77 ± 8.16, and 34.58 ± 9.82 pg/ml in the healthy group and 103.22 ± 51.94, and 183.76 ± 54.61 pg/ml in the KC group, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between the severity of the KC and the mean levels of IL-6 TNF-α in the case group (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Our results indicated that the mean levels of IL-6 and TNF-α are significantly higher in KC than the healthy group, and the disease severity was significantly associated with TNF-α and IL-6.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Clinical, microbiological and management in a tertiary health care centre in central India- A descriptive study

Introduction: Congenital nasolacrimal duct has accounts for 6 % of newborn infants with various treatment. Microbiological studies to identify the type of species involved in Lacrimal Sac infection secondary to Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (CNLDO) have been extensively reposted. Aims and Objective: to assess microorganisms causing congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. To see efficacy of probing as compared to silastic intubation. Materials and Methods: A total 100 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients came with epiphora and mucous discharge. Inclusion criteria for the study was patients presenting with CNLDO (Presence of atleast one sign of NLDO: Epiphora, increased tear lake, and/or mucopurlent discharge), Age upto 9 years. Exclusion Criteria: Punctual or canalicular abnormality, H/o previous surgery, H/o faciomaxillary trauma, cleft lip/ cleft palate or any facial deformity, acute dacryocystitis, previous history of probing. Sample size was 100 patients. Results: Haemophilus influenzae and streptococcus pneumonia were the most common microorganisms (n= 56, 40.5%; n= 37, 26.8% respectively) followed by moraxella catarrhalis (n=19, 13.7%), staphylococcus aureus (n=17, 12.3%), pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=9, 0.65%). Discussion: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction results in stagnation of fluid within the lacrimal sac area which causes secondary bacterial infection. The prevalence of CNLDO with no growth shows the sole effect of congenital anomaly on the degree of tightness. Conclusion: The mocobiological study of CNLDO may have a value in predicting the obstruction. Keywords: Acute dacryocystitis, Congenital nasolacrimal duct Obstruction.

Pushed monocanalicular intubation versus probing as a primary management for congenital nasolacrimal obstruction.

PurposeEvaluation of efficiency, complications, and advantages of pushed monocanalicular intubation using Masterka® tube versus simple probing in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).Patients and methodsThis is a case-controlled study that included 60 eyes (of 53 patients); 30 eyes underwent probing and 30 eyes intubation using the Masterka tube as a primary treatment for CNLDO. The children were aged between 6 months and 36 months at the time of surgery, with no previous nasolacrimal surgical procedure, and had one or more of the following clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: epiphora, mucous discharge, and/or increased tear lake.ResultsWe defined success by absence of epiphora, mucous discharge, or increased tear lake 1 month after tube removal. The overall success rate in the probing group was 80%, while it was 83.3% in the intubation group.ConclusionPushed monocanalicular intubation is an effective method for treatment of CNLDO; it requires only mask inhalation anesthesia and could be considered as an appropriate alternative procedure with imperceptible complications.

Office probing for treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants

To determine whether demographic or clinical factors are associated with the outcome of office-based nasolacrimal duct probing for the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). In two multicenter prospective studies, 384 eyes of 304 children aged 6 to <15 months with NLDO underwent a nasolacrimal duct probing performed in the office using topical anesthesia. Treatment success, defined as no clinical signs of NLDO (epiphora, increased tear lake, or mucous discharge) and no reoperation, was assessed 1 month after probing in one study and 6 months after probing in the other study. Data from both studies were pooled to evaluate associations between baseline characteristics and treatment success. Office probing was successful in 75% of eyes overall (95% CI, 70%-80%). The procedure was less successful in eyes of children with bilateral NLDO compared with unilateral NLDO (63% vs 80%; relative risk = 0.78 [95% CI, 0.66-0.92]) and in eyes that had 2 or 3 clinical signs of NLDO compared with one (71% vs 83%; relative risk = 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81-0.96]). Treatment success did not appear to be related to age, specific clinical signs of NLDO, prior treatment, or research study. Performing nasolacrimal duct probing in the office successfully treats NLDO in the majority of cases in children aged 6 to <15 months. The success rate is lower with bilateral disease or when more than one clinical sign of NLDO is present.

Influence of eye position on the Schirmer tear test

The Schirmer test (ST) evaluates the volume of tears in potential dry eye candidates via a strip placed in the lower tear lake. Previously reported inconsistencies in the results may be in part due to the lack of standardization as to the methodology, e.g. the eye position during the test. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eye position on the ST score. . A ST was performed in a randomized fashion with and without anesthesia in three open eye positions (primary, superior and inferior) at 20° from each other. Palpebral aperture, age and a dry eye questionnaire (OSDI) were evaluated for correlation with the ST. In the 20 non-dry eye volunteers (n=20, ages 18-40, mean OSDI score 10.5), the ST results were, as expected, lower overall (p < .001) with anesthesia (11.33 ± 7.78 mm) than without (19.74 ± 2.83 mm). The inferior gaze position resulted in higher values (p < .03) than the other two positions, regardless of the use of anesthesia. No correlation was noted between the palpebral aperture, age, questionnaire and the ST. The ST seems to be influenced by the position of gaze. However, the mechanism for this, effect remains unclear. Further studies could focus on whether an inferior gaze of 20° compresses the tear film falsely, thereby elevating the tear volume. It is recommended that the clinician should adopt a standard eye position for the ST and that future reports provide specifics as to the methodology used.

A Comparison of Treatment Approaches for Bilateral Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

To compare the clinical outcomes of two treatment approaches for bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in infancy. Multicenter, randomized clinical trial. We studied 57 infants between the ages of 6 and <10 months who had bilateral NLDO. Participants were randomized to receive either (1) immediate office-based probing within two weeks (n = 31) or (2) 6 months of observation and nonsurgical management followed by surgical facility-based probing for unresolved cases (n = 26). Treatment success was defined as the absence of clinical signs of NLDO (epiphora, increased tear lake, mucous discharge) in both eyes on masked examination at 18 months of age. In the observation and deferred facility probing group, resolution without surgery occurred by 6 months after randomization in both eyes for 14 participants (56%), in one eye for 5 (20%), and in neither eye for 6 (24%). Eight participants in the observation and deferred facility probing group underwent facility probing (one of whom later had a second facility probing). Four participants in the immediate office probing group later underwent an additional procedure in a surgical facility. In the immediate office probing group, treatment success at 18 months of age occurred in both eyes for 19 of 29 (66%) participants and in one eye for 3 (10%); in the observation and deferred facility probing group, treatment success occurred in both eyes for 19 of 25 (76%) participants and in one eye for 3 (12%) (difference in success = -10%; 95% CI = -35% to 14%). Both the immediate office probing approach and the observation and deferred facility probing approach are successful and reasonable treatment options for infants with bilateral NLDO.

A Randomized Trial Comparing the Cost-effectiveness of 2 Approaches for Treating Unilateral Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

To compare the cost-effectiveness of 2 approaches for treating unilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).One hundred sixty-three infants aged 6 to less than 10 months with unilateral NLDO were randomly assigned to receive immediate office-based nasolacrimal duct probing (n = 82) or 6 months of observation/nonsurgical management (n = 81) followed by probing in a facility for persistent symptoms.Treatment success was defined as the absence of clinical signs of NLDO (epiphora, increased tear lake, mucous discharge) on masked examination at age 18 months. Cost of treatment between randomization and age 18 months included costs for all surgical procedures and medications.In the observation/deferred facility-probing group, NLDO resolved within 6 months without surgery in 44 of the 67 patients (66%; 95% CI, 54% to 76%) who completed the 6-month visit. Twenty-two (27%) of the 81 patients in the observation/deferred facility-probing group underwent surgery, 4 of whom were operated on within the initial 6 months. At age 18 months, 69 of 75 patients (92%) in the immediate office-probing group were treatment successes, compared with 58 of 71 observation/deferred facility-probing group patients (82%) (10% difference in success; 95% CI, -1% to 21%). The mean cost of treatment was $562 in the immediate office-probing group compared with $701 in the observation/deferred facility-probing group (difference, -$139; 95% CI, -$377 to $94). The immediate office-probing group experienced 3.0 fewer months of symptoms (95% CI, -1.8 to -4.0).The immediate office-probing approach is likely more cost-effective than observation followed by deferred facility probing if needed. Adoption of the immediate office-probing approach would result in probing in approximately two-thirds of infants whose obstruction would have resolved within 6 months of nonsurgical management, but would largely avoid the need for probing under general anesthesia.Although unilateral NLDO often resolves without surgery, immediate office probing is an effective and potentially cost-saving treatment option.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00780741.

Resolution of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction With Nonsurgical Management

To determine how often nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) resolves with 6 months of nonsurgical management in infants aged 6 to less than 10 months.As part of a randomized trial evaluating the cost-effectiveness of immediate office probing vs observation with deferred probing for unresolved cases, 107 infants aged 6 to less than 10 months who had NLDO and no history of nasolacrimal duct surgery were prescribed 6 months of nasolacrimal duct massage and topical antibiotics as needed. Resolution of the NLDO was assessed 6 months after study entry and was defined as the absence of all clinical signs of NLDO (epiphora, increased tear lake, or mucous discharge) and not having undergone NLDO surgery. Exploratory analyses assessed whether baseline characteristics, including age, sex, laterality, and prior treatment, were associated with the probability of NLDO resolving without surgery.At the 6-month examination, which was completed for 117 of the 133 eyes (88%), the NLDO had resolved without surgery in 77 eyes (66% [95% CI, 56%-74%]). None of the baseline characteristics we evaluated were found to be associated with resolution.In infants 6 to less than 10 months of age, more than half of eyes with NLDO will resolve within 6 months with nonsurgical management. Knowledge of the rate of NLDO resolution in infancy without surgery will help clinicians and parents effectively discuss treatment options.

The lateral tarsal strip in ectropion surgery: is it effective when performed in isolation?

The lateral tarsal strip (LTS) for involutional ectropion is often performed with a medial spindle (tarsoconjunctival diamond excision). We aimed to evaluate how well the LTS alone can achieve symptomatic relief. A retrospective, comparative case series was performed on consecutive patients undergoing LTS alone or with medial spindle for involutional ectropion. Outcomes for LTS alone were clinically derived functional success (improvement in symptoms and aesthetic appearance) and anatomical success (judged by punctal position in the tear lake, punctal movement during blinking and absence of ectropion). We verified if these outcomes compared favourably with those of the patients who had undergone an LTS with medial spindle. Procedure selection was based on pre-operative clinical examination, especially the lateral pinch and twist test (this is described). Complications were also recorded. Of 67 eyes, 23 had LTS alone and 44 had LTS with a medial spindle. Of those having LTS alone the functional success rate was 87% (95% CI (66.4, 97.2%)). This did not differ significantly from a success rate of 89% (75.4, 96.2%) in LTS with a medial spindle (P=0.99). A total of 78% (56.9, 92.5%) of patients undergoing LTS had a good anatomical result compared with 82% (67.3, 91.8%) of those who had an additional medial spindle (P=0.75). Complication rates were similar between the groups. Where the lateral pinch and twist test returns the eyelid to a good position, the LTS alone can suffice for the management of involutional ectropion.

Pathology Quiz Case 1

A 63-YEAR-OLD WOMAN PRESENTED WITH A 1-year history of left-sided epiphora. Her medical history included chronic sinusitis and hypertension. She also had a remote history of a peripheral leukocytosis, for which she saw an oncologist, who recommended no therapy. On ophthalmic examination, her vision was 20/25 OD and 20/40 OS. There was no afferent pupillary defect, and extraocular motility was full. The tear lake was increased on the left, with poor dye disappearance. Probing and irrigation on the left showed complete reflux with some mucous discharge. Nasal endoscopy revealed a left septal spur and bilateral ostiomeatal complex crowding. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated scattered sinus disease, a minimal soft-tissue prominence in the left medial canthus (Figure 1), and multiple enlarged lymph nodes throughout the neck.The preoperative laboratory test results included a white blood cell count (WBC) of 21 900/μL (to convert to 10/L, multiply by 0.001), a hematocrit of 40.1%, and a platelet count of 168 10/μL (to convert to 10/L, multiply by 1.0). The patient underwent a septoplasty, left endoscopic anterior ethmoidectomy, and dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Microscopic examination of the specimen from the left sinus and lacrimal drainage system (LDS) showed extensive involvement by a dense infiltrate of small, round, mature lymphocytes (Figure 2). These cells contained scant cytoplasm and condensed chromatin. Histologic examination of the septal cartilage revealed a diffuse infiltration of the intratrabecular space by a histologically identical lymphoid infiltrate. Immunohistochemical analysis of the lymphoid cells demonstrated positivity for CD20, CD23 (Figure 3), and CD5 (Figure 4) and negativity for CD10 and BCL1. An additional immunostain for proliferation marker Ki-67 showed nuclear positivity in fewer than 5% of tumor cells. What is your diagnosis?

Balloon catheter dilatation versus probing as primary treatment for congenital dacryostenosis

AimTo compare the success rate of balloon catheter dilatation of the nasolacrimal duct with probing and irrigation as primary treatment for congenital dacryostenosis.MethodsCharts of all children who were operated on...

Age-Based Comparison of Successful Probing in Nepalese Children with Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

Purpose: To compare the success rates of probing in Nepalese children younger than 2 years versus children older than 2 years with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), and to identify factors associated with successful probing.Materials and Methods: Data was collected and analyzed retrospectively on children who underwent probing under general anesthesia for NLDO at Tilganga Eye Centre, Nepal, from May 2004 to October 2008. We compared successful probing rates in children less than or equal to 2 years old (group 1) versus children greater than 2 years old (group 2), and analyzed whether various clinical factors were associated with successful probing. Successful probing was defined as complete resolution of all clinical signs (discharge, epiphora or increased tear lake) at the outcome visit one month following surgery.Results: Data on 84 children (109 eyes) was reviewed. The mean age of children in group 1 and group 2 was 15.3 months and 37.3 months, respectively. The success rate of probing for the overall sample was 82.6% (90/109 eyes). The success rate in group 1 was 90.2% (55/61 eyes), and 72.9% (35/48 eyes) in group 2 (p=0.018). Increased age at time of probing (p=0.031) and duration of symptoms (p=0.027) were associated with decreased probing success.Conclusion: Early treatment of NLDO with probing, ideally prior to 2 years, is associated with better outcomes. Age appropriate intervention may reduce the incidence of complications from NLDO, which is highly prevalent in the low-lying areas of Nepal, including Kathmandu.

Repeat probing for treatment of persistent nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Repeat probing of the nasolacrimal duct is one treatment option for children with persistent symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) following an initial probing. The authors conducted a prospective, multicenter study in which 20 subjects age 6 to <48 months underwent a repeat probing for symptomatic NLDO and had follow-up visits 1 month and 6 months after surgery. Treatment success was defined as the absence of all three clinical signs of nasolacrimal duct obstruction-epiphora, increased tear lake, and mucous discharge. Repeat probing was successful in 56%(95% CI, 33%-76%) of cases.

Primary treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction with balloon catheter dilation in children younger than 4 years of age

To report the outcome of nasolacrimal duct balloon catheter dilation as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children younger than 4 years of age. One hundred two children (151 eyes) ages 12 to <48 months (mean, 23 months) at the time of surgery, who previously had not undergone a nasolacrimal surgical procedure and who presented with at least one of the following clinical signs of NLDO--epiphora, increased tear lake, and/or mucous discharge--were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized observational multicenter study (20 sites). All children received balloon catheter dilation of the nasolacrimal system of the affected eye(s). Treatment success was defined as no epiphora, increased tear lake, and/or mucous discharge present at the outcome visit at 1 month after surgery. The proportion of eyes treated successfully was 82% (95% CI: 74%-88%). The dye disappearance test at outcome was normal in 105 (73%), indeterminate in 15 (10%), and abnormal in 23 (16%) of the 143 eyes tested. In children 12 to <48 months of age, balloon catheter dilation as a primary treatment of NLDO was successful in approximately 80% of cases. Because we did not perform a randomized trial with a comparison group, we were unable to determine how this procedure's success rate compares with that of simple probing or nasolacrimal intubation in this age group.

Primary treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction with nasolacrimal duct intubation in children younger than 4 years of age

To report the outcome of nasolacrimal duct intubation as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children younger than 4 years of age. A total of 182 eyes of 139 children receiving intubation with planned tube retention for 2 to 5 months were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized observational multicenter study (19 sites). Children were ages 6 months to <45 months at the time of surgery, with no previous nasolacrimal surgical procedures and had at least one of the following clinical signs of NLDO: epiphora, mucous discharge, and/or increased tear lake. Treatment success was defined as absence of epiphora, mucous discharge, and increased tear lake at the outcome visit, 1 month after tube removal. The surgical outcome was assessed in 150 eyes (82% of cohort). The proportion of eyes treated successfully was 91% (95% CI: 86%-95%). The outcome dye disappearance test was normal in 125 (86%) eyes, indeterminate in 13 (9%), and abnormal in 7 (5%) of the 145 eyes tested. Monocanalicular tubes were used in 74% of cases. The tube was removed before the planned minimum retention time of 2 months in 61 eyes (41%). For 23 eyes, the early removal was attributed to inadvertent displacement by the patient. In children 6 months to <45 months of age, nasolacrimal duct intubation in a nonrandomized and noncomparative trial was a successful primary treatment of NLDO in about 90% of cases not lost to follow-up.

Primary Treatment of Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction with Probing in Children Younger than 4 Years

To report the outcome of nasolacrimal duct probing as the primary treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in children younger than 4 years. Prospective nonrandomized observational multicenter study (44 sites). Nine hundred fifty-five eyes of 718 children 6 to <48 months old at the time of surgery with no prior nasolacrimal surgical procedure and with at least one of the following clinical signs of NLDO present: epiphora, mucous discharge, and increased tear lake. Probing of the nasolacrimal system of the affected eye. Treatment success was defined as no epiphora, mucous discharge, or increased tear lake present at the outcome visit 1 month after surgery. Proportions of eyes treated successfully were 78% (95% confidence interval [CI], 75%-81%) overall, 78% for the 421 eyes in children 6 to <12 months old, 79% for the 421 eyes in children 12 to <24 months, 79% for the 37 eyes in children 24 to <36 months, and 56% for the 11 eyes in children 36 to <48 months. The probability of treatment success was lower in eyes operated in an office setting than in eyes operated in a surgical facility (adjusted relative risk, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.80-0.96]), with success reported in 72% (95% CI, 66%-78%) of probings performed in an office and 80% (95% CI, 77%-84%) of probings performed in a facility. The probability of treatment success was also lower in eyes of patients with bilateral disease (adjusted relative risk, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81-0.95]). In children 6 to <36 months old, probing is a successful primary treatment of NLDO in about three fourths of cases, with no decline in treatment success with increasing age. The study enrolled too few children ages 36 to <48 months to allow a conclusion regarding the probability of treatment success in this age group.