Purpose: To verify the results of balloon-catheter dilatation for the treatment of congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. To the best of author's knowledge this procedure has not been previously used in Brazil and deserves scientific studies. METHODS: Children between 2 and 5 years old, with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction, were treated with balloon-catheter dilatation (Lacricath®). Catheter was introduced by the superior lacrimal punctum, under general anesthesia. RESULTS: Twenty-seven eyes were treated and 23 presented total improvement of epiphora signs and symptoms (85.2% success rate). During a one year follow-up, all the procedures had good outcomes, without complications and all the children had 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Balloon-catheter dilatation is an efficient and safe procedure and might be used for congenital lacrimal duct obstruction treatment in children older than 2 years.
Lacrimal duct obstruction; Balloon dilatation; Children
