Question
How should congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction be properly managed? This condition has been ongoing for some time, and I have been hesitant to administer medication. I am seeking professional advice from a doctor.
Answer
The causes of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction are varied, with most cases originating from congenital anomalies, such as poor development of the nasolacrimal duct (including congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction, underdeveloped lacrimal puncta or canaliculi), poor eyelid development (including corneal endothelium, eyelid inversion, and ectropion), and eye diseases (such as glaucoma). The most common cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children is that the end of the nasolacrimal duct near the nasal cavity, which should have opened at birth, fails to open normally, leading to poor lacrimal secretion. Clinical manifestations include continuous tearing, endless tears, and increased secretions. Sometimes, when pressing on the lacrimal sac, mucus or purulent discharge may come out from the lacrimal puncta. It often accompanies conjunctivitis, red eyes, and eye boogers. In severe cases, it may even lead to dacryocystitis.