Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction refers to the obstruction to the passage of tears since birth. The tears that are produced in the eye are often emptied through a tube and into the nose. However, in this circumstance, this tube becomes blocked, which results in eye watering. About 2–4% of all newborn babies exhibit this. The block may be on one side or both.
Because the nasolacrimal duct system is blocked, congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) frequently results in excessive tearing or mucoid discharge from the eyes. Up to 20% of infants under the age of one suffer from nasolacrimal duct obstruction, which is frequently treated without surgery.
A membrane that obstructs the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct is one of the causes of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. (This membrane, which is present in all babies while they are in the womb but dissolves after eight months,) The duct’s general narrowing is the most frequent cause. Mis-development of the aperture, duct, lacrimal sac, or the growth of a sac filled with fluid are some more causes (called as a mucoele or dacrocystocele).
Watering of the eyes and matting of the lashes happen, which may or may not be related to discharge. Six weeks after birth, this begins to form. There may be crusting on the eyelids or stickiness in the eyes as a result of the discharge. At times acute dacrocystitis may also occur. this condition results in inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to fluid retention. an infecrion may also occur.
On the side of the nose, a bogging bulge might occasionally appear (in the lacrimal sac area).
Punctual fluid may regurgitate when pressure is applied to the sac region (small pin point openings on the lid).
Most of these kids can be treated with a good massage and some antibiotic eye drops.
A cleaning method known as probing is used in a small percentage of children whose health does not improve with massage by the time they turn one year old. During this procedure, a thin metallic probe is pushed through the tear duct to open the route.
In complicated situations, surgery is necessary in the form of a dacryocystirhinostomy, in which a surgical passage is made between the tear sac and the nose. This procedure is typically performed once a child reaches the age of three.
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