Outcomes of lacrimal sac hydrostatic pressure application in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

To assess the success rate of lacrimal sac hydrostatic pressure application (HPA) maneuver, a conservative office procedure for treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).

The medical records of pediatric patients, 36mo old or younger, diagnosed with CNLDO between the years 2016-2022, were retrospectively reviewed. In all children, HPA was performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Success was defined as the resolution of epiphora and discharge within 48h of the intervention.

A total of 281 eyes (194 patients) with CNLDO underwent HPA. Follow-up data were available for 261 eyes (179 patients, 50.3% male) and these patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up time was 11.6±13mo. Ninety-seven patients (54.2%) had unilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction, while 82 patients (45.8%) had bilateral CNLDO. The mean age at the time of HPA was 5.8±5.9mo. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in 102 (39.1%) eyes. Patients 6mo old or younger at the time of HPA had a significantly higher success rate compared to patients older than 6mo (43.7% vs 30.9%, P=0.04). Younger age at the time of pressure application was associated with a higher resolution rate of CNLDO (OR 0.93, P=0.004). Sex assigned at birth, prematurity, laterality of the obstruction and type of symptoms (epiphora, discharge) were not correlated with success. A second HPA was performed in 46 eyes, with resolution of symptoms in 12 eyes (26.1%).

Hydrostatic pressure applied on the lacrimal sac by an experienced ophthalmologist or an experienced pediatrician may be an effective treatment for CNLDO. We recommend HPA as an initial active conservative approach in all pediatric patients with CNLDO, especially those younger than 6mo.