Outcome of probing under topical anesthesia in children below 18 months of age with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (CNLDO) is one of the commonest causes of Childhood epiphora. This study was carried outat Sagarmatha Chaudhary Eye Hospital (SCEH), Lahan to determine the success rate of probing and syringing in children below 18 months of age with CNLDO. A hospital based prospective interventional study of 106 children with age 4 to 18 months (Mean 7.67, SD 4.37) who underwent probing and syringing under topical anesthesia in minor procedure room of OPD. The children were divided into 3 age groups, Group A (age d" 6 months), Group B (age = 7-12 months) and Group C (age = 13-18 months). Success of probing was defined as complete relief of signs and symptoms on follow up at 3-6 weeks. Out of 106 children with CNLDO below 18 months of age, 97 (91.5%) children had better outcome with first attempt of probing. First attempt of probing resulted in resolution in 92.3% (108 out of 117) eyes; 95.6%, 92.7%, 87.1% in the age group less than 6 months, 7-12 and 13-18 months respectively. 9 eyes underwent a repeat procedure of which 6 eyes were cured. Probing and syringing below 6 months of life has shown to be very effective with almost 100% success. The overall success of probing and syringing among children less than 18 months was 97.4%.