AIM: To evaluate the effect and safety of outpatient probing with a lumbar needle and TobraDex ointment infusion for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction(CNLDO).

METHODS:Prospectively designed lacrimal probing with simultaneous infusion of TobraDex ointment infusion was conducted for CNLDO children at the Lacrimal Clinic, Jinan Military General Hospital from Oct. 2008 to Feb. 2012. The results were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS:According to the medical histories, five out of fifty-nine(8.47%)children(38 boys, 21 girls)were bilaterally affected, with one eye being spontaneously resolved at 12mo of age before treatment. Sixty-four eyes were finally enrolled. The average age at surgery was 16.9mo(range: 3-96mo). There was an incomplete probing of one female with bilateral dysplasia of the bony nasolacrimal duct. All remaining obstructions were resolved after single probing, except for one eye that received a re-probe. Age, side operation, and chronic infection at the time of surgery appeared to have no influence on the final outcome. No significant complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION: Compared with other treatment modalities, probing with a lumbar needle and TobraDex ointment infusion for pediatric nasolacrimal obstruction is highly effective and safe, both as a primary treatment and an alternative measure after failed simple probing.