What to do about neonatal dacryocystitis

  Neonatal lacrimal dacryocystitis is caused by secondary infection due to obstruction of the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct by the embryonic remnant membrane that has not degenerated, and retention of tears and bacteria in the lacrimal sac. About 2-4% of full-term infants may have such obstruction, but most of them are expected to atrophy on their own within 4-6 weeks after birth and regain patency. Bony nasolacrimal ducts are less common due to dysplasia and stenosis.  Tearing after birth and frequent discharge should be highly suspected of neonatal dacryocystitis. The diagnosis of neonatal lacrimal dacryocystitis can be confirmed by pressing on the lacrimal sac area and having the discharge spill out from the tear dots.  Gently massage the lacrimal sac mass downward with your finger, and if the cyst suddenly disappears, it means that the residual membrane has been squeezed, which means that it is cured, and pay attention to the obvious local redness and swelling with tobramycin eye solution anti-infection treatment. If 4-6 months of conservative treatment, including multiple massage still does not work, the probe can be used to explore the passage, more can be healed. If probing does not work, consider whether there is a bony narrowing of the lacrimal duct, and perform lacrimal balloon dilation or lacrimal canal placement.