AIM: To investigate the effect of retrograde lacrimal intubation combined tobramycin dexamethasone eye ointment on the treatment of adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS: During May 2012 to November 2016, a total of 46 eyes of 34 cases with nasolacrimal duct obstruction were treated with lacrimal intubation combined tobramycin dexamethasone eye ointment. The postoperative follow-up was 6-18mo to observe the treatment effect and complications.

RESULTS: The patients were successfully treated with lacrimal intubation and tube was drawn out 2-3mo after operation. Treatment was succeed in 39(85%)eyes. Functional improvement was achieved in 5 eyes(11%). Relapse occurred in 2 eyes(4%). The complications included mild epistaxis in 39 eyes(85%), eyelid edema in 15 eyes(33%), itch of inner canthus in 11 eyes(24%), and fall off of the tube in 1 eye(2%).

CONCLUSION: Lacrimal intubation combined tobramycin dexamethasone eye ointment is an effective treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction in adult and can successfully reduce occurrence of complications.