The effectiveness and timing of probing for the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of probing in patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and to evaluate the success rates with respect to their effectiveness, and age groups. Methods: The charts of patients who underwent probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients’ ages at the time of probing, the presence of watering complaints and epiphoras, and fluorescein dye disappearance test results after the procedure were recorded. Postoperative followup, safety and efficacy were evaluated according to age groups. Results: Eighty-four patients (46 girls (55.0%), and 38 boys (45.0%) diagnosed as congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 16.4 months (12-34 month) and mean followup period was 10.4 months (6-18 months). Forty-six patients were between 12 and 24 months, and 38 patients were over 24 months. By probing, success was achieved in 78 of 105 eyes (74.3%). According to the age groups, success rate of probing was 86.7% (52 of 60 eyes) in patients between 12-24 months and 57.7% (26 eyes of 45 patients) in those over 24 months. No complications were noted during follow-up. Conclusion: Probing is an effective treatment for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in cases not improving with conservative treatment in the early age group. As the age increases, the chance of success decreases, thus the application should not be delayed.