ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO) is the most common cause of neonatal epiphora. Persistence can lead to chronic dacryocystitis and amblyopia. This study analyzed the association between the incidence of CNDO and delivery by cesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of 386 children with CNDO (born between 2000 and 2008). The incidence of the delivery mode in patients with CNDO was compared with data from a corresponding population derived from annual birth statistics. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant association between the overall cesarean section rate and the incidence of CNDO, but primary cesarean section was significantly more frequent among patients with CNDO (73.15%, p < 0.05). The difference was significant for both genders for the period from 2000 to 2008 (p < 0.05%). The relative risk for CNDO was 1.7-fold increased in children delivered by primary cesarean section. CONCLUSION: Primary cesarean section may be a risk factor for CNDO.
