Factors affecting the success of nasolacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To ascertain the effect of certain parameters on nasolacrimal duct probing. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 142 infants and children who underwent nasolacrimal duct probing for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, age at time of probing, gender, symptom severity, presence of mucous discharge, and history of probing were correlated with success of nasolacrimal probing. Success of probing was defined as complete resolution of signs and symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Chi-square test was used to analyze covariance. RESULTS: Success of nasolacrimal duct probing was negatively correlated with increasing age: 92%, 89%, 80%, 71%, and 42% at age 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively (P = .001 at each interval). Increasing severity of epiphora was correlated with increased failure of nasolacrimal duct probing (P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the success of nasolacrimal duct probing declines with age, probing in older children can remain the first line of treatment. Because increasing frequency of epiphora correlates with failure of nasolacrimal duct probing, children with daily epiphora should undergo early nasolacrimal duct probing.