Identification of the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct with a fibre-optic light 'pipe'.

PURPOSE: To report a method of identifying the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct when more usual methods have failed.

METHODS

A vitreoretinal fibre-optic light pipe was used to identify the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct in a child with unusual congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

RESULTS

This intraluminal light source enabled easy cut down onto the 'blind' end of the lacrimal drainage apparatus and subsequent intubation with silicone tubing to overcome the obstruction.

CONCLUSION

This technique may prove useful in the rare cases in which it is not possible to identify the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct with a probe and nasal endoscope alone.