Management of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Using Nasal Endoscopy
Wydanie 3/2023
str. 70–73
Autor: Anna Rogowska1, Wojciech Hautz1
1 Klinika Okulistyki Instytutu „Pomnik – Centrum Zdrowia Dziecka” – Kierownik: prof. instytutu, dr hab. n. med. Wojciech Hautz
Summary:
Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the most common cause of tearing in children during infancy and early childhood. The incidence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction ranges from 5% to 20%. It is estimated that only 2–6% of patients with congenital tear duct obstruction will require surgical intervention (1).
Obstruction is most often caused by the presence of a fold of mucous membrane (the so‑called Hasner’s valve) in the distal section of the nasolacrimal duct, near the opening of the nasolacrimal duct into the lower nasal meatus (2). Symptoms of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction most often appear in the first month of a child’s life, usually: lacrimation, retention of tears in the conjunctival sac, recurrent discharge in the conjunctival sac and on the edges of the eyelids and eyelashes, appearance of pathological content in the conjunctival sac after pressure on the area of the lacrimal sac (3). The diagnosis of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction is based on a typical history and clinical picture. The results of numerous studies have confirmed that in most cases, obstruction tends to resolve naturally and spontaneously within the first year of life (4, 5). However, in selected cases this disorder may persist beyond the age of one year, at which point surgical intervention is necessary.
The aim of this study is to discuss the treatment of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction in children, with particular emphasis on surgical treatment using endoscopic techniques.