Refraction in Children with Unilateral and Bilateral Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction

The study aimed to identify the type of refraction in children with unilateral and bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) who underwent nasolacrimal duct probing. One hundred and twelve children aged 1.8 to 13 years, diagnosed with CNLDO, were included in a retrospective study. All the patients had their visual acuity examined, and their refractive status was evaluated. The refractive errors of both eyes were noted, followed by an appropriate management plan. Of the 112 children, 79 (70.5%) had a unilateral obstruction, and 33 (29.5%) had bilateral obstruction. Nine children (11.4%) in the former group and six children (18.2%) in the latter group were with visual acuity <0.8. The most frequent refractive error among the studied children was hyperopia. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between refraction of the two eyes in the evaluated children were found. Amblyopia risk factors were identified in 9 of the patients (8.0%). CNLDO did not adversely affect the refractive status. However, amblyogenic risk factors were found more often in our patients, as compared to general populations. Therefore, a detailed evaluation should be performed to find out these risk factors.