To compare the efficacy of lacrimal sac massage with lacrimal duct probing for treating congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) in infants and to assess the impact of a standardized massage protocol on treatment outcomes.
Approach:
Study Design: A noninferiority randomized clinical trial conducted at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, following CONSORT guidelines.
Participants: Infants under 12 months diagnosed with CNLDO were recruited and randomized into two groups: lacrimal sac massage and lacrimal duct probing.
Intervention: Participants in the massage group received standardized training for lacrimal sac massage, while the probing group underwent the procedure under topical anesthesia.
Follow-up: Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks to assess symptom relief and treatment success.
Key Findings:
Lacrimal sac massage is a noninvasive alternative to lacrimal duct probing.
Resolution rates for massage in previous studies ranged from 68.8% to 87.3% in infants.
The study was designed to compare the efficacy of lacrimal sac massage and lacrimal duct probing.
Limitations:
The study may have inherent biases due to the lack of masking for participants and procedural personnel.
Variability in adherence to the massage protocol could affect outcomes.
