Abstract
In infancy, we most commonly encounter congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions. The reason is usually congenital stenosis or less commonly atresia of the nasolacrimal duct.
The typical clinical symptoms include permanently watery eye (usually on one side) starting shortly after birth, and repeated bouts of conjunctivitis later on. In some infants, the condition spontaneously corrects itself.
Conservative therapy consists of massages of the lacrimal sac and treatment of the secondary conjunctivitides. If the problems persist, nasolacrimal duct probing is the rational course of treatment, which should optimally be performed by the age of 4 months.
The diseases of the lacrimal ducts found in older children include mostly inflammations to the lacrimal sac, of tear gland affections. In cases of chronic blockages of the lacrimal ducts, we indicate the patient for a tear duct intubation.
Injuries to the lacrimal ducts require specialised reconstructive surgeries.