title: Probing of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with dacryoendoscope.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a relatively common disease in infants. We evaluated the results of probing three patients with CNLDO, under direct view, with a dacryoendoscope.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three cases of CNLDO were examined and treated by probing with a dacryoendoscope, under intravenous anesthesia. The diameter of the dacryoendoscope probe was 0.7 mm, and we were able to observe the inner walls of the lacrimal duct and able to guide the probe through the duct.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases, the site of obstruction was detected, and the probe was used to remove the obstruction. At 2 weeks after the removal of the obstruction, there was no epiphora or mucopurulent discharge in any of the cases. No complications were detected intra- and postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although only three cases were studied, we believe that probing with a dacryoendoscope is a safe and effective method of treating a CNLDO. More cases need to be studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.
authors.forename: Kumiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.
authors.forename: Koichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsunaga
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Takashima
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan.
authors.forename: Mineo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kondo
keywords: epiphora; mucoprulent discharge; probing