Preferred Practice Patterns of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Jordan

Abstract

Purpose

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is fairly common in newborns. The main aim of this cross-sectional study is to assess the preferred practice patterns of CNLDO among ophthalmologists in Jordan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted across all ophthalmological practices in Jordan, using convenience sampling. An online questionnaire, designed through Google Forms, was distributed through social media. The survey contained four domains: baseline characteristics of participants and the diagnosis (7 items), medical management (3 items), and surgical management (11 items) of CNLDO. Descriptive statistics were conducted using SPSS (IBM SPSS Corp, SPSS Statistics ver. 26, USA).

Results

Eighty-three physicians responded to the survey, with an average age of 40.6 ± 8.6. More than half of the participants (53.0%, n = 44) were general ophthalmologists. Only 37.3% of our sample (n = 31) regularly evaluated the refraction of a child presenting with epiphora suggestive of CNLDO. Criggler’s nasolacrimal duct massage was recommended by 62.7% of respondents (n = 52) for up to 12 months. In addition, 72.3% of respondents (n = 60) recommended 12 months as the minimum age for primary probing of CNLDO. Silicon intubation was considered for primary probing starting at 24 months by 31.3% of ophthalmologists (n = 20). Monocanalicular stent was preferred by 42.2% of respondents (n = 27) while 31.3% (n = 20) preferred bicanalicular stent.

Conclusion

There is considerable variability in preferred practice patterns regarding the diagnosis and management of CNLDO in Jordan. Our findings highlight the gaps in optimum practices which need to be addressed for better management.

Keywords:

• nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• CNLDO
• lacrimal system
• practice patterns
• congenital

Data Sharing Statement

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this article. Further enquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.

Statement of Ethics

The study was conducted according to the Helsinki Declaration principles and was reviewed and the Institutional Review Board committee of the Islamic Hospital, Amman, Jordan, considered this study to be exempt from IRB review and approval.

Consent to Participate Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

Acknowledgment

The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.