Tear duct obstruction in infants
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.1066Keywords:
LACRIMAL DUCT OBSTRUCTION; NASOLACRIMAL DUCT; INFANTAbstract
Obstruction of the tear duct in infants is a relatively common disorder in the pediatric population (5-20 %), and pediatricians in primary health care often encounter this problem. It is most often caused by a persistent membrane in the lower part of the nasolacrimal duct, but obstructions in other parts of the tear duct are also possible. They can be diagnosed by different diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The peculiarity of this disorder is frequent conjunctivitis or conditions similar to conjunctivitis, which usually result in unnecessary antibiotic treatment.
Normal tear flow is most often established with conservative treatment in most patients by the end of the first year of life, but it is necessary to train the parents in proper massage technique of the lacrimal sac. In this way, we help establish tear flow earlier, reduce the risk of infection, and avoid later general anesthesia and possible surgical complications.
Probing proved to be a successful invasive method up to the 3rd year of life if conservative treatment fails.
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