Congenital obstruction presents in first few weeks of life once tear production matures usually by 6 weeks after birth.
Frequency and duration
Symptoms can be either unilateral or bilat...
Primary treatment for congenital obstruction is lacrimal sac massage or compression in a downward fashion (Crigler maneuver).
Encourage parents to massage. This may increase t...
Conservative measures are appropriate for infants with congenital obstruction, although at 6 to 12 months of age, referral to ophthalmology shou...
Kamal S, Ali MJ, Gupta A, et al. Lacrimal and nasal masquerades of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions: etiology, management, and outcomes. Int Ophthalmol. 2015;35(6):80...
375.56 Stenosis of nasolacrimal duct, acquired
375.55 Obstruction of nasolacrimal duct, neonatal
743.65 Specified congenital anomalies of lacrimal passages
375.22 Epiphora due to insufficient d...
Q: Why not fix the obstruction upon diagnosis?
A: Studies have shown that about 90% of cases of congenital obstruction resolve by 12 months of age using conservative measures consisting of massage ...
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