Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of late probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). Method: Medical records of children who underwent probing for CNLDO between January 2011 and December 2022 were reviewed and children aged over 24 months at the time of probing were included in the study. Prior to probing, each patient had a trial of massage and topical antibiotics. Successful probing was defined as a resolution of symptoms within 1 month after probing. Results: Ninety six eyes of Seventy two children fulfilled our inclusion criteria for this study. The mean age at probing was 39 months (range, 24 months to 60 months). The mean follow up was 22 months (range, 6 month to 5 years). Probing was successful in 84.4% (81 of 96 eyes) of eyes. 6 eyes improved with NLD intubation and 9 eyes required DCR. Conclusion: Late probing between 24 months and 5 years appears to be an effective and should be attempted before going for complex procedures like intubation or DCR.

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