Effectiveness of non-surgical intervention in resolving congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

Authors

  • Muhammad Affan University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad
  • Ammara Ajaz University Of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad
  • Almeera Mushtaq Elite College of Management Sciences, Gujranwala, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Anish Sharif Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Poonch Rawalakot
  • Arooba Waheed Department of Botany, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Government College Women University Sialkot
  • Sana Khalid Department Of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty Of Medicine, University Of Tyoma,930-0194,Japan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52461/ijnms.v4i1.3440

Abstract

Abstract

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) affects 6–20% of children. This condition

results from a blockage or incomplete opening of the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears

into the nasal cavity. If untreated, CNLDO can lead to chronic tearing, eye discharge, and an

increased risk of eye infections. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of crigler massage

in children’s CNLDO. The study was conducted at the Eye Care Unit of Bangrilla Community

Hospital, Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), from November 2022 to December

  1. A total of 130 children under one year of age presenting with persistent tearing

(epiphora) due to unilateral or bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included. Parents

were instructed to perform Crigler massage, a conservative, non-surgical technique involving

lacrimal sac massage, for three months. The efficacy of this treatment was monitored over the

course of the study. The participants included 73 children (56.2%) aged 0–6 months and 57

children (43.8%) aged 6–12 months. Male participants constituted 43.8% of the total number,

while the female participants accounted for the remaining 56.2%. CNLDO cases involved

unilateral eye obstruction, with 30.8% affecting the right eye and 35.4% affecting the left eye,

while 33.8% demonstrated bilateral involvement. By the end of the three months, 92.3% of

children had achieved complete resolution of symptoms. Seven children (5.4%) did not

respond to the Crigler massage and required surgical probing, while three (2.3%) failed to

complete follow-up. Crigler massage proved to be an effective, non-invasive treatment for

CNLDO in children, achieving a high success rate when performed consistently and correctly

Author Biographies

Muhammad Affan, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad

Clinical Optometrist (Islam Qureshi Welfare Trust Eye Hospital Jhelum

Ammara Ajaz, University Of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad

Clinical Optometrist (Bangreela Community Hospital Mirpur AJK)

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Published

2025-06-30

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): International Journal of Natural Medicine and Health Sciences

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Affan, Ammara Ajaz, Almeera Mushtaq, Anish Sharif, Arooba Waheed, Sana Khalid

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