The effect of routine ophthalmological examination in babies with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Aims: To evaluate the effect of routine ophthalmological examination in babies with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). Methods: One hundred patients aged 1-12 months who presented to our clinic for routine ophthalmological examinations at the request of the Turkish Ministry of Health in 2022-2024 and who were diagnosed with CNLDO were enrolled in the study. The patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, mode of delivery, gender, laterality, and type of nutrition were determined. Results: One hundred patients with a mean age of three months were enrolled. Sixty-five percent were aged two months or less, and 35% were older than two months. Fifty percent were female, and 50% were male. Normal delivery was present in 55% of the cases and cesarean delivery in 45%. Seventy percent of the patients were breastfed, while 30% received ready-made formula. Ninety percent of the patients were born full term, 85% had no other diseases, and 85% of patients had unilateral CNLDO, and 15% bilateral. Conclusion: The Turkish Ministry of Health recommends routine ophthalmological examination for every baby at 0-3 months of age in order to diagnose diseases such as congenital cataract, strabismus and retinoblastoma that may result in early blindness. Babies who present within the scope of the screening program are diagnosed early in case of CNLDO. Babies diagnosed early have a higher chance of recovery without surgery.