DR. GAURAV GARG

DR.ANKIT SINGH TOMAR, DR. NARENDRA PATIDAR

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the epidemiology of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO), efficacy & safety of external DCR without intubation. Methods: It was a large retrospective, interventional case series conducted in a tertiary eye center in 1564 eyes from 1/1/2016 to 30/6/2017. Resolution of PANDO on Munk score, syringing & probing (S&P) at 3months was the primary outcome measure. Results: Mean age at presentation was 52±14years with a mean duration of symptoms of 16±11months. 58% patients presented for the cataract surgery rather than watering 42% as their primary complaints & 2/3rd of these were diagnosed in our cataract camp via routine ROPLAS, S&P. The results were gratifying with the resolution of PANDO in 99.7%. Conclusion: External DCR is especially important in India due to cost restraints & the huge bulk of elderly patients who need DCR before cataract surgery. Proficiency in DCR can have a huge impact in addressing a major cause of treatable blindness in India.