Optimal timing of lacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants: A retrospective cohort study.
Lacrimal duct probing after 12 months of age had lower success than earlier probing
Optimal timing of lacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants: A retrospective cohort study.
The optimal timing of lacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction) remains debated.
This study aimed to evaluate the association between age at probing and short term treatment outcomes in infants with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
This retrospective cohort study analyzed 394 affected eyes from 304 infants aged 3 to 24 months who were diagnosed with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction and underwent lacrimal duct probing at the Ophthalmology Clinic of Tongzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Beijing between August 2019 and July 2024.
of infants probed after 12 months still had unresolved tear duct blockage
Overall, 386 of 394 eyes achieved clinical resolution, corresponding to an overall success rate of 98.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 96.0-99.1%).
The success rate after the first probing was 87.3% (95% CI: 83.6-90.4%), and the success rate after the second probing was 84.0% (95% CI: 70.9-92.8%).
A significant difference was observed among the 3 groups (P < .001).
Lacrimal duct probing was associated with a high short term success rate in infants with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, particularly when performed within the first 12 months of life.
Because of the retrospective design, limited follow up duration, and small number of patients older than 12 months, these findings should be interpreted as supportive evidence for timely probing rather than definitive proof of an optimal surgical age.