The Incidence of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Korean Neonates

Lee, Sang Yeul; Chung, Hak Sung; Kim, Hong Bok; Namgung, Ran; Han, Dong Gwan

Abstract

Congenital obstruction of the nasolacrimal drainage system is a condition frequ endy encountered by the ophthalmologist. In the development of the lacrimal pathway, the lower end of the duct is frequently separated from the cavity of the inferior meatus at birth by a membrane. In most instances, the nasolacrimal duct becomes patent during the first several weeks of life. But there are no exact data in Korean literature regarding the incidence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The aim of our work is to get information about the incidence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in Korean neonates. Between May 1987 and September 1988, we examined 248(496 eyes) 1-to 3-day-old newborns for evaluation of the nasolacrimal duct patency by syringing. The results were as follows: 1. The incidence of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction was 6.25%(31 eyes) among 496 eyes of 1-to 3-day-old-new borns. 2. The rate having discharge was significantly higher in the obstructed group than in the patent group. 3. There were no significant differences between the impatency rates of the first 3 days of life, and between the impatency rates in newborns, born either via birth canal or via Cesarean section.