dacryostenos
Dacryostenosis, or nasolacrimal duct stenosis, is the narrowing or obstruction of the tear drainage pathway, from the puncta through the canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct, to the nasal cavity. It leads to impaired tear drainage and may cause epiphora (excessive tearing), recurrent conjunctivitis, and mucopurulent discharge when inflammation is present. Dacryostenosis can be congenital or acquired, and any segment of the drainage system may be involved.
Congenital dacryostenosis is common in infants and results from incomplete canalization of the nasolacrimal duct. Many
Clinical presentation typically includes persistent tearing, eye irritation, and sometimes sticky eyelids, especially in the morning.
Diagnosis is clinical, supported by probing and irrigation to assess patency. Imaging such as dacryocystography or
Management ranges from conservative to surgical. In infants, lid hygiene, lacrimal sac massage, and treatment of