Anatomy of the naso-lacrimal duct in new-borns: therapeutic considerations.

The topography and morphology of the lacrimal ducts in newborn infants was demonstrated by means of post mortem dacryocystograms and microphotograms of histologic slides. Because of bends in the course of the lower tear duct, a percentage of probings will fail to effect satisfactory perforation of the Hasner membrane. In most cases, the soft texture of this membrane requires no more than syringing under pressure, using a hollow probe as described by Bangerter (1953).