Nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Question 1

What is the most common cause of a persistent watery eye in an infant?

Answer 1

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction

This condition is characterized by an imperforate membrane at the lower end of the lacrimal duct.

Question 2

What is the prevalence of symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants at around one month of age?

Answer 2

Around 1 in 10 infants

This indicates that approximately 10% of infants may exhibit symptoms at this age.

Question 3

What management technique is recommended for parents of infants with nasolacrimal duct obstruction?

Answer 3

Massage the lacrimal duct

This technique can help alleviate the symptoms of obstruction.

Question 4

What percentage of cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction resolve by the age of one year?

Answer 4

95%

This high resolution rate suggests that most infants will not require further intervention.

Question 5

What should be done in unresolved cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction?

Answer 5

Refer to an ophthalmologist for consideration of probing

Probing is performed under a light general anaesthetic to open the obstructed duct.