Standardized Lacrimal Sac Massage vs Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants: A - Report - MDSpire
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Comparative Effectiveness of Standardized Lacrimal Sac Massage and Probing in Treating Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants

  • By

  • Xinyu Zheng

  • Xinyue Yu

  • Guangsen Wu

  • Jiayi Zhang

  • Kerui Wang

  • Ling Jin

  • Siyu Huang

  • Rongxin Chen

  • Huiying Yu

  • Weifeng Huang

  • Zuohong Li

  • Xuanwei Liang

  • September 1, 2026

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Clinical Report: Comparative Effectiveness of Lacrimal Sac Massage and Probing

Overview

This study evaluates the efficacy of standardized lacrimal sac massage versus lacrimal duct probing in treating congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in infants. The results indicate that both methods have comparable resolution rates.

Background

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a common condition in infants, affecting 5% to 20% of this population. While many cases resolve spontaneously, the likelihood decreases with age, necessitating timely intervention to prevent complications.

Data Highlights

InterventionResolution RateTime to Resolution
Lacrimal Sac Massage86.2%3.8 weeks
Lacrimal Duct Probing83.7%1.1 weeks

Key Findings

  • Resolution rates for lacrimal sac massage were 86.2%, while probing had a rate of 83.7%.
  • The mean time to symptom resolution was significantly shorter for probing (1.1 weeks) compared to massage (3.8 weeks).
  • The study followed CONSORT guidelines and was conducted at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in China.
  • No serious complications were reported for either intervention.
  • The trial included 160 infants under 12 months diagnosed with CNLDO.

Clinical Implications

Both lacrimal sac massage and probing are effective treatments for CNLDO.

Conclusion

The findings support the use of both lacrimal sac massage and probing as treatment options for CNLDO.

Related Resources & Content

  1. JAMA Ophthalmology, 2026 -- Standardized Lacrimal Sac Massage vs Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants: A Noninferiority Randomized Trial
  2. BMC Ophthalmology — Nasolacrimal balloon dacryoplasty versus nasolacrimal bi-canalicular intubation for the management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction with a previous failed probing or intubation: a retrospective study
  3. the ophthalmologist — Case Study: Lacrimal Occlusion for Preoperative Ocular Surface Optimization
  4. Contact Lens Spectrum — ONLINE PHOTO DIAGNOSIS
  5. Contact Lens Spectrum — Diagnosis and Treatment of Canaliculitis
  6. Standardized Lacrimal Sac Massage vs Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants: A Noninferiority Randomized Trial | Trials | JAMA Ophthalmology | JAMA Network
  7. https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/429689/20251211-385208-hfj4vw.pdf

Original Source(s)

Standardized Lacrimal Sac Massage vs Probing for Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Infants: A

  • by Xinyu Zheng, Xinyue Yu, Guangsen Wu, Jiayi Zhang, Kerui Wang, Ling Jin, Siyu Huang, Rongxin Chen, Huiying Yu, Weifeng Huang, Zuohong Li, Xuanwei Liang

  • September 1, 2026

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