A survey of management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction by pediatric primary health care providers in Spain.

PURPOSE

To survey the management of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) by pediatric primary health care providers in Spain.

METHODS

This was a descriptive study using a web-based questionnaire to evaluate the perceptions of the members of the Pediatric Primary Care Society in Castilla-León, Spain (APAPCYL), regarding management of CNLDO. The questionnaire contained 14 direct questions and was sent by e-mail to all the pediatricians. All the responses were analyzed by the frequency of occurrence and percentages.

RESULTS

Ninety physicians responded to the questionnaire. Massage 2 or 3 times a day was the initial treatment advised by 60.47% of pediatricians. Nearly half of the pediatricians recommended continuing massage until symptoms resolved. Fewer than 50% of children required referral to an ophthalmologist. Reasons for an ophthalmic consult included persistence of symptoms among 87.21% of pediatricians and parental/guardian request among 10.5% of pediatricians. According to 45.6% of pediatricians, their knowledge about CNLDO is limited, and 92.2% would like to receive further training on CNLDO.

CONCLUSIONS

Massage was the main initial treatment for managing CNLDO among pediatricians. The outcomes of this survey indicated that massage fails in fewer than 50% of patients and an ophthalmic referral is required for these cases.