Surgeon Experience as Predictors of Outcome of Dacryocystorhinostomy Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dacryocystorhinostomy surgery aims to treat nasolacrimal duct obstruction and are often performed by general ophthalmologists in developing countries. The aim of this study is to estimate the clinical burden, surgeon's experience, and outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy surgery. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of Nepalese Ophthalmologists registered with the Nepal Ophthalmic Society was conducted after ethical clearance from Nepal Health Research Council. The survey form consisted of a single mail-shot questionnaire information including the age and experience, average case per month, and participant-reported post-operative complications and failures. Data were entered onto Microsoft excel (Microsoft Corp) and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. The data were presented in graphical and tabular format and appropriate statistical tools were employed for the analysis. RESULTS: Out of 300 practicing ophthalmologist, 135 (45%) comprising male 60 (44.4%) and female 75(55.6%) responded to the survey. Majority of respondents were general ophthalmologists (37 ,41.6%) followed by oculoplastic surgeons (27,30.3%) and other subspecialties (25,28.1%). More than 70% respondents perform 1-10 surgeries /month and only 3% perform >50 surgeries /month. The success rate of 75-90% was reported by 45(50%) respondents whereas > 90% success rate by 41 (46.1%). More than 80% surgeons experienced an infection rate of <1% regardless of the intubation status. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed huge differences in surgery practice patterns among ophthalmologists in Nepal. The surgical success rate and post-operative infection rate depends upon surgeon experience. Moreover, uniform surgery protocols and training budding ophthalmologists/ young Oculoplastic surgeons in the best modern dacryocystorhinostomy surgery are required.

Epidemiological and Clinical Presentation of Retinoblastoma among Nepalese Children in 2019.

Suresh B.K. RasailyObjectives Retinoblastoma (RB) is rare but potentially fatal if left untreated. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological profile, clinical manifestation, classification, and affordability of RB treatment among Nepalese children in the year 2019. Materials and Method A multicentric, multiethnic hospital-based cross-sectional study after ethical approval from the National Health Research Council was conducted from January 2019 to December 2019 by incorporating ophthalmologists all over the nation. Twenty-seven RB centers were selected. All the RB presented in the RB centers either newly diagnosed or ongoing treatment consented to the study were included and failed to consent for the study, RB survivors were excluded from the study. Data based on demographic profile, clinical manifestation, ethnical and geographical distribution, and treatment received were collected in the customized Google Form. Each case was classified at the time of diagnosis as per the International Classification of Retinoblastoma groups and different treatment modalities offered as per grouping and staging. The affordability of treatment was calculated using a catastrophic approach. Statistical Analysis Data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Result A total of 34 RB cases, 21 (61.76%) in ongoing treatment group and 13 (38.2%) in newly diagnosed group presented in the RB centers. Out of total, 32 (64.7%) had unilateral and 12 (35.3%) cases had bilateral involvement. The majority of patients was from Province 1 (35.3%) and belonged to the upper caste (38.2%). Leukocoria was the most common presentation (73.9%) followed by proptosis, red eye, and phthisis bulbi. More than 75% patients presented at advanced group D (54%) and E (21%) and stage 0 (90%). More than 90% of patients received systemic chemotherapy, and 42.6% received transpupillary thermotherapy. The average cost of RB treatment was estimated to be 521% of the nonfood expense of the family which is unaffordable to almost all cases (100%). Conclusion Leukocoria is the most common mode of clinical presentation in both unilateral and bilateral RBs. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to success for saving life, sight, and eye. However, community awareness programs against RB, active referral networks, and the establishment of chemotherapy centers with trained human resources are needed to reduce loss of life, sight, and eye.

Modified Wheeler Technique with Inferior Lid Retractor Plication for Senile Entropion.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to assess the outcome of the modified wheeler technique with lower eyelid retractor plication for the correction of Involutional (senile) entropion among the study patients Materials and methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted in two tertiary eye hospitals of Bangladesh from 1 July to 31 December, 2020. This study included all patients undergoing modified wheeler technique with inferior lid retractor plication and followed up to at least one year and six months between 01 January 2015 to 31 December, 2019. All patients were suffering from senile entropion of the lower eyelid. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon and the study sample size was selected purposively. Patients were operated by the modification of modified wheeler technique for the correction of lower eyelid entropion in this study. The outcome of the surgical techniques was assessed at regular intervals on each follow up. RESULTS: Thirty eyes of thirty patients were evaluated. Success rate was 100% in the 18 months follow up time with no recurrence in any. Ecchymosis, skin scarring and/or minimal pain were observed as post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: The modified wheeler technique with inferior eyelid retractor plication is the definitive and permanent procedure for the correction of involutional entropion with minimal or no recurrence.

Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment and Blindness in Three Ecological Regions of Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Visual impairment and blindness are significant public health issues worldwide. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and causes of moderate to severe visual impairment (MSVI) and blindness in people aged 15 years and above across three ecological regions of Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in one district in each of the three ecological regions of Nepal. Number of participants from each region was distributed as per the prevalence findings of pilot study, with 2815 participants enrolled in Dolakha, 1509 in Dhading and 910 in Sarlahi. Intensive training was provided to health workers on how to conduct door-to-door enumeration, visual acuity testing and referral when indicated for comprehensive ocular examination by technicians and ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat ocular morbidities. Collected data were analyzed using standard software. For categorical data, frequency, percentage and 95% CI were calculated and statistical tests were done using Chi-square/Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Altogether 5234 participants were enrolled in the study (participation rate 96.4%). The overall prevalence of MSVI was 9.5% (495). It was 4.7% (133) in the mountainous region, 11.2% (169) in the Hill and 21.2% (193) in the Tarai. In those aged 15-49 years, MSVI prevalence was 1.5% (52) and 25.1% (433) in ≥50 years. The overall prevalence of blindness was 0.9% (47). It was 0.2% (6) in 15-49 and 2.3% (41) in ≥50 age groups. More than 95% visual impairment and blindness were due to cataract and uncorrected refractive error. Cataract was the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness (290, 53.5%), followed by uncorrected refractive error. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness varied significantly with age, ethnicity and locality. The management of uncorrected refractive error and operable cataract would reduce nine in ten cases of moderate to severe visual impairment and blindness.

Outcome of Injection Botulinum Toxin in Blepharospasm.

INTRODUCTION: Blepharospasm is a condition of involuntary spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle which leads to intermittent or complete closure of the eyelids. Botulinum toxin is the currently recommended first line treatment for such blepharospasm. This study aims to find out the outcome of injection Botulinum toxin Type A in Blepharospasm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a hospital based, prospective, interventional study conducted on patients diagnosed as Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB), Meige syndrome (MS) and Hemifacial spasm (HFS) by oculoplastic surgeon at Oculoplasty department OPD, Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, from December 2018 to November 2019. After taking all standard precautions for botulinum toxin injections, 6 to 8 sites for injecting 2.5 to 5 IU of the toxin were given. All the patients were evaluated before and after injections according to Jankovic spasm grading and improvement in functional impairment scale and followed on one week, one month, three month and when the symptoms reappeared. RESULTS: A total of 43 cases which included 32 cases of Benign essential Blepharospasm, 9 Hemifacial spasm and 2 Meige syndrome. The mean Jankovic severity score was 3.51 ± 0.51 (range 3-4). The mean improvement in functional score was 2.60 ± 0.54 (range 1-3), was statistically significant (p-value <0.001).The effective period of injection was 130 ± 20.82 (93 - 189) days.38 patients had repeated injections after reappearance of symptoms. 4 patients had side effects of redness and hematoma at one site. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that Botulinum toxin type A is effective in the management of Benign essential blepharospasm, Hemifacial spasm and Meige syndrome. This along with a good safety profile justifies its role as a first line treatment therapy in blepharospasm. However, it is a temporary treatment option where the effect lasts for a short period of time and repeated injections are required.

External Dacryocystorhinostomy and Patient Satisfaction: Perspective of General Ophthalmologist.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate patient satisfaction over time in patients undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy for primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction when done by a general ophthalmologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective interventional case series was done in a secondary level eye hospital in the Midwestern region of Nepal from 1st January 2018 to 30th December 2018. Fifty-four consecutive adult patients diagnosed with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy performed by a general ophthalmologist were included. The surgical success rate was determined at six months on the basis of the resolution of symptoms with patency on syringing. Postoperative patient satisfaction was evaluated 6 months after surgery with a standardized Glasgow Benefit Inventory and post-intervention questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 54 eyes were operated on within the study period and a larger number of surgeries were done in the age group 26-30 years. Female constituted 79.6 % and male 20.4% with a ratio of 3.9:1. Overall surgical success rate 6 months after surgery was 96.30%. The mean total Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI) score was 48.83 ± 23.87 (95% CI, 42.96- 56.95), mean general subscale score was 52.70± 23.28 (95% CI, 46.49-60.38), social support subscale was 49.69 ± 44.68 (95% CI, 41.15-60.35) and physical health subscale score was 37.07 ± 41.19 (95% CI, 27.48-49.26). CONCLUSION: The external dacryocystorhinostomy surgeries performed by general ophthalmologists achieved an excellent surgical success rate and good patient satisfaction proven by a validated questionnaire.

Conventional versus Modified Tarso-frontalis Suspension Surgery using Targeted Lid Crease for Simple Congenital Blepharoptosis with Poor Levator Action.

INTRODUCTION: The routine technique of tarso-frontalis suspension surgery for simple congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator action is cosmetically less rewarding due to either an absence or asymmetry of the postoperative eyelid crease. The objective of this study was to assess the eyelid crease quality after a modified open method of tarso-frontalis suspension surgery compared to the closed method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative study reviewing the case sheets of all the patients undergoing unilateral tarso-frontalis suspension surgery with silicon rod employing Fox pentagon design from September 2017 to February 2019 at Mechi Eye Hospital, Jhapa, Nepal. A review of 40 case sheets of congenital lid ptosis with poor levator function(<4mm) aged 9 years or more was done. Tarso-frontalis suspension surgery, modified with a mini blepharoplasty incision, direct attachment of silicon rod to tarsus, completion of pentagon design with supra-brow incisions, and skin-orbicularis-tarsus-orbicularis-skin suture (open method) was done in 20 cases whereas other 20 cases underwent surgery with supraciliary stab incisions (closed method). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 21.1+5.9 years (range 9-30 years). The ptosis amount ranged from 3-10mm. At the 6th postoperative month, most of the cases had good ptosis correction (90% open group, 85% closed group, p=0.74). However, cosmetic outcomes were better in the open group compared to the closed group: 100% symmetrical eyelid crease compared to 40% (p<0.001) and 90% acceptance rate for eyelid contour compared to 70% (p=0.23). CONCLUSION: Predictable, targeted, and symmetrical lid crease can be obtained using the modified open method of tarso-frontalis suspension surgery.

Orbital Myocysticercosis different Presentation and Management in Eastern Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Ocular cysticercosis is a preventable cause of blindness. It is caused by parasitic infestation caused by the larval form of Taenia solium. Poor sanitation and improper management of food and meat products are the major causes for cysticercosis infestation. CASE: Two cases of myocysticercosis presented to our hospital differently. A 12 years boy, first case presented with drooping of right eye (RE) upper lid with recurrent swelling, pain, redness with mild headache and intermittent vomiting for 1 and half months. On examination swelling of RE upper lid, mild ptosis, abaxial proptosis with restricted motility in upgaze was noted. Orbital CT (computer tomography) scan and ocular ultrasound reports showed findings suggestive of myocysticercosis of superior rectus muscle of RE. Routine microscopic examination (RME) of stool demonstrated eggs of Taenia. Complete blood count (CBC) showed eosinophilia. As a suspected case of myocysticercosis and since the patient resided at an endemic zone, empirical therapy with albendazole and steroid was started to continue for 4 weeks. After one week the patient presented with features suggestive of RE orbital cellulitis. With proper counseling about medical therapy and cyst excision, the patient recovered well with only mild RE upper lid ptosis of 2mm. The histopathological examination (HPE) of the excised cyst was suggestive of inflammatory cystic lesion. A 55 years male presented as a second case to us with gradually increasing mass in the RE lower lid with a history of pain, difficulty in opening RE and intermittent swelling of RE 2 months back. On examination RE lower lid mass with exotropia of 15 degree, mild hypertropia was noted. CT scan showed presence of cystic mass 3.5x2x1.5cm in the right orbit involving the right inferior rectus muscle, abutting and displacing the globe superolaterally. CBC showed eosinophilia. Post cyst excision patient recovered well with remaining mild restriction in infraduction most probably due to fibrosis. HPE was conclusive of cysticercus cellulosae. Both the patients improved well with no recurrence until last visit 17 months in 12 years boy and 6 months in 55 years male after which he lost to follow. CONCLUSION: Myocysticercosis can occur at any age. There is equal importance of clinical, radiological, microbiological and histopathological support for proper diagnosis and management of cysticercosis. Medical therapy along with surgical excision of the cyst with it's content may be needed in the management of myocysticersosis.

Transient Inverse Bell's Phenomenon Following Frontalis Sling-Suspension Ptosis Surgery: A Rare Ophthalmic Phenomenon.

INTRODUCTION: Inverse Bell's phenomenon is a rare ophthalmic phenomenon where downward instead of upward movement of the eyeball occurs during eyelid closure. It may be associated with peripheral facial nerve palsy, conjunctival scarring, and ptosis surgery. CASE REPORT: A 9-year-old male patient with right upper-lid congenital ptosis developed inverse Bell's phenomenon 2 days after frontalis sling-suspension ptosis surgery. At the 3-week postoperative visit, there had been spontaneous resolution of the inversion of Bell's phenomenon without any corneal complication. CONCLUSION: Inverse Bell's phenomenon, more often reported to be associated with levator-resection surgery, may develop following frontalis sling-suspension ptosis surgery. Close monitoring and frequent instillation of topical lubricants are necessary to prevent exposure keratopathy until the resolution of inverse Bell's phenomenon in patients with lagophthalmos after ptosis surgery.

Comparison of early versus standard timing for silicone stent removal following External Dacrocystorhinostomy under local anaesthesia.

INTRODUCTION: The first line treatment for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) is external dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR). Following DCR, patients are required to return to Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO) six weeks postoperatively for the removal of a silicone stent. As the majority of patients travel large distances at significant cost to reach TIO, most often patients remain within Kathmandu during this six weeks interval. This places a large financial burden on patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was designed to compare patient outcomes after early (two weeks postoperatively) versus standard (six weeks postoperatively) removal of silicone stents. 50 selected patients were randomized into two equal groups. RESULTS: At the time of publication, 31 patients (14 in group A and 17 in group B) had completed three months follow up. A success rate of 92.9% was noted in Group A and a success rate of 94.1% observed in group B. No significant difference was found between the two groups for success rate and rate of complications. CONCLUSION: Early tube removal post DCR appears to cause no significant difference in outcome or complication rates compared to standard tube removal.

Choroidal Melanoma: Our Experience.

BACKGROUND: Choroidal melanomas are diagnosed in approximately 6 out of one million Americans per year, and although their incidence is low, they are the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. METHODS: Choroidal melanoma is rare tumors and till date no such reports with sclera involvement has been reported from Nepal. It is a prospective case series. The aim of this study is for awareness of the severity of the Choroidal melanoma and it's management. Besides, it is also to study the demography, presentation, histopathological variations and management of cases of choroidal melanoma. All the consecutive cases of Choroidal melanoma presenting between Jan 2017 to May 2018 and those who were within the inclusion criteria were included in this study. RESULTS: There were eight patients, five male and three female, within age range of 18-73, median age was 47. All patients presented with decreased vision ranging from 6/24 to PL of less then three months to 2 years duration. Fund us showed choroidal mass associated with Vitreous hemorrhage (VH), and retinal detachment (RD). Two patients were managed with enucleation with External beam radiotherapy (EBRT). Four underwent only enucleation. One patient with lesion size less then 10mm under went plaque brachy therapy. One patient underwent initially Plaque brachy therapy but later had to undergo Enucleation. Histopathological examination (HPE) of enucleated patient revealed epitheloid cell melanoma grade three in four and Spindle cell melanoma in three patients. Each one patient of epitheloid cell melanoma and spindle cell melanomahad scleral involvement. Indication for radiotherapy was scleral involvement. CONCLUSION: With 8 cases of Choroidal melanoma in a single year in a single hospitalgives us a clue that there may be much more undiagnosed cases of Choroidal melanomain Nepal that should be taken seriously. Going for annual eye examination with routine dilated fund us exams can help in prevention and early diagnosis of this life and sight threatening condition and to reduce the mortality rate.

Work Related Ocular Injury: Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational eye injuries comprise a major source of ocular trauma. Knowledge of the epidemiology of occupational eye injuries is essential to formulate viable safety strategies. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the demographics, patterns of protective eye wear use, and patterns of occupational eye injury among workers in Hetauda, Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Community based cross-sectional prospective survey was carried out from September 2010 to July 2011. Survey included all workers irrespective of their age and those who are willing to participate in survey by filling details on structured questioners and comprehensive eye examination at community level. RESULTS: 1236 surveys were collected. 38.3% (473) of workers surveyed reported experiencing a work-related eye injury. Over two-thirds [68.3% (844)] of workers surveyed reported never wearing safety eyewear while at work. There was a positive correlation between male sex (P<0.001), reported previous work-related injury (P<0.001), and attending school (P=0.016) and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). CONCLUSIONS: The population studied demonstrates a significant level of work related injury. There are potentially modifiable factors that could lead to increased use of eye protection.

Comparing outcomes of pediatric and adult external dacryocystorhinostomy in Nepal: Is age a prognostic factor?

We determine whether age is a prognostic factor for surgical outcomes of external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ex-DCR). This retrospective cohort study conducted at Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (Kathmandu, Nepal) compared pediatric Ex-DCR procedures (age ≤ 15 years) to adult Ex-DCR procedures (age > 15 years) and was performed between January 2013 and December 2013, with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. Primary outcome measure was rate of success, defined as complete resolution of subjective symptom(s) of epiphora (subjective success), combined with patent lacrimal passage on syringing (anatomical success) at last follow-up visit. Other outcome measures included clinical presentation, diagnosis, intraoperative complications and post-operative complications. In total, 154 Ex-DCR procedures were included, with an age range of 8 months to 81 years (mean age 36.4 ± 21.0 years). In all, 38 pediatric Ex-DCR procedures were compared to 116 adult procedures. Success rates were 97% in the pediatric group and 95% in the adult group, with no clinically or statistically significant difference in success rate or complication rate between groups (p > 0.05). Our study yielded high success rates of Ex-DCR in both pediatric and adult age groups suggesting that Ex-DCR remains an optimal treatment choice for all age groups. With no difference in surgical outcomes between pediatric and adult patients, including complication rate, we conclude that age is not a prognostic factor for Ex-DCR failure. We do not recommend adjuvant therapy for pediatric patients.

Simbu Ptosis: An Outreach Approach to Myogenic Ptosis in Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea-Experience and Results From a High-Volume Oculoplastic Surgical Camp.

PURPOSE: To present the results of a high-volume oculoplastic surgical outreach in a remote region of Simbu Province in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. The authors describe the clinical features and evaluation and treatment of a novel ptosis syndrome found in this area. DESIGN: A team of 4 international ophthalmologists and 3 local doctors and 3 local nurses involved in a high-volume field intervention for all patients presenting with a bilateral ptosis to Mingende Rural Hospital. METHODS: Patients were systematically evaluated and treated during a 6-day surgical outreach and followed daily for 1 week and as needed via telemedicine. Visiting surgeons provided skills-transfer instruction for 3 local doctors and 3 nurses. Data collected included demographic information, history of present illness, past medical history, family history, social history, and a complete ophthalmologic and targeted neurologic evaluation. Patients were offered surgical intervention if they met criteria for safe eyelid elevation and could present for follow ups. Detailed notes of patient geographic location, history, and risk factors were collected in addition to pre- and postoperative photos. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Efficient triage and treatment of all patients referred to the remote oculoplastic clinic. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients presented to the camp; of these, 87 underwent complete evaluation. There were 72 patients with ptosis, of which 60 were found to be of Simbu-type. These patients were grouped clinically by degree of ptosis: mild, moderate, and severe. Thirty-eight patients had moderate ptosis of which 34 underwent surgical intervention. Eleven patients with mild ptosis were counseled and observed. The 10 patients with severe ptosis and 2 with moderate ptosis were treated medically with ptosis crutches manufactured on site. A new technique for creating ptosis crutch glasses was developed. CONCLUSIONS: A new variant of progressive myogenic ptosis was identified. A high-volume oculoplastic surgical camp is an efficient way to systematically evaluate and treat this new entity. Skills-transfer training for local doctors and staff ensured continuity of care for the surgical patients.

Anterior lens capsule rupture following minor blunt trauma with a past history of minimal change glomerulopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Few cases have been reported describing anterior lens capsule ruptures secondary to blunt trauma. CASE: We present an unusual case of anterior lens capsule ruptures following minor trauma from a human elbow with a two-year history of minimal-change glomerulopathy in a 17-year-old male. In addition to having bilateral posterior subcapsular cataracts, he developed an anterior subcapsular cataract underlying the anterior lens rupture in the right eye. He was managed conservatively. OBSERVATIONS: The current case differs from those of the existing literature in terms of the characteristics of the physical insult and the eye on presentation. We suggest there could be a predisposing anterior capsule weakness secondary to the minimal-change glomerulopathy or the associated drug therapy, but there needs to be more evidence to confirm or refute our claim. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior lens capsule may rupture following minor trauma on a background of minimal-change glomerulopathy.

External dacryocystorhinostomy: do we really need to repair the posterior flap?

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare a simplified technique of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), where the posterior flap is excised, with the more traditional approach of double flap repair. METHODS: A prospective, comparative, single surgeon, single centre clinical trial was conducted of eighty-three patients who received external DCR, with either anterior and posterior flap anastomosis (Group A), or anterior flap anastomosis and excision of the posterior flap (Group B), in a tertiary referral hospital in Nepal. Patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and epiphora were assigned to one of two groups. Follow up was a minimum of 6 months for inclusion in the study. Success was defined objectively by irrigation of the puncta without regurgitation and subjectively by the absence of epiphora or discharge. RESULTS: The overall success rate of external DCR was 89.2%, after a mean follow up of 13.5 ± 2.2 months. There was no difference in success between the two groups (p-value = 0.73), with 90.7% success in Group A and 87.5% in Group B. The frequency of complications was not statistically different between Groups A and B (p-value = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Excision of the posterior flap and anastomosis of only the anterior flap is not disadvantageous to the outcomes of external DCR surgery when compared with the more traditional approach of anastomosis of both flaps. We believe this simplified procedure can be implemented as the standard technique for external DCR, particularly in developing nations such as Nepal.

Age-based comparison of successful probing in Nepalese children with nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare the success rates of probing in Nepalese children younger than 2 years versus children older than 2 years with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), and to identify factors associated with successful probing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected and analyzed retrospectively on children who underwent probing under general anesthesia for NLDO at Tilganga Eye Centre, Nepal, from May 2004 to October 2008. We compared successful probing rates in children less than or equal to 2 years old (group 1) versus children greater than 2 years old (group 2), and analyzed whether various clinical factors were associated with successful probing. Successful probing was defined as complete resolution of all clinical signs (discharge, epiphora or increased tear lake) at the outcome visit one month following surgery. RESULTS: Data on 84 children (109 eyes) was reviewed. The mean age of children in group 1 and group 2 was 15.3 months and 37.3 months, respectively. The success rate of probing for the overall sample was 82.6% (90/109 eyes). The success rate in group 1 was 90.2% (55/61 eyes), and 72.9% (35/48 eyes) in group 2 (p=0.018). Increased age at time of probing (p=0.031) and duration of symptoms (p=0.027) were associated with decreased probing success. CONCLUSION: Early treatment of NLDO with probing, ideally prior to 2 years, is associated with better outcomes. Age appropriate intervention may reduce the incidence of complications from NLDO, which is highly prevalent in the low-lying areas of Nepal, including Kathmandu.