Congenital naso-lacrimal duct obstruction

ABSTRACT

Congenital nasolacrimal obstruction is the most common cause of tearing in infants, with an estimated occurrence rate between 1% to 6% of all newborns. In addition to tearing the child might also have matting of the eyelashes and mucopurulent discharge. In the following, the embryology of the lacrimal drainage system will be discussed as well as the incidence, presentation, pathophysiology, and management of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, with discussion of the success rate and optimal duration of stenting and the different complications