title: Adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
abstract: Tear production resulting from obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct is a common ophthalmic problem. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition require a thorough understanding of the lacrimal apparatus and its ocular and nasal relationships. Idiopathic or primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a syndrome of unknown etiology. Of all nontraumatic forms, it accounts for the vast majority of cases found in adults. The authors discuss a number of potential causes, some of them iatrogenic and discuss the technique of dacryocystorhinostomy, the standard surgical treatment, in detail.
authors.affiliation: Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital, Mich.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Shermetaro
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Gladstone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D009301:Nasolacrimal Duct / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery