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RESEARCH PAPER
Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction in Epiphoric Patients in the North Indian Population
1
Department of Ophthalmology, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
2
Department of Radiodiagnosis, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
3
Department of Microbiology and Pathology, J.N. Medical College, Paramedical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
4
Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Biological Sciences and Research Institute (IBRI), Noida, India
A - Research concept and design; B - Collection and/or assembly of data; C - Data analysis and interpretation; D - Writing the article; E - Critical revision of the article; F - Final approval of article
Submission date: 2025-08-17
Acceptance date: 2025-10-20
Publication date: 2026-01-15
Corresponding author
Mudassir Alam
Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Biological Sciences and Research Institute, IBRI, Noida, India
Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Biological Sciences and Research Institute, IBRI, Noida, India
Ophthalmology 2025;28(3):54-58
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Epiphora, or excessive tear production, is a common presenting complaint in ophthalmology and is frequently associated with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The purpose of this study is to find out the frequency (prevalence) of epiphora symptoms in patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction in a developing country, who attend tertiary eye care centres. Material and methods: Our study cross-sectionally analysed 300 patients over 19 years old with complaints of epiphora lasting at least 3 months, between January 2025 and May 2025. A basic ocular surface examination was performed using a handheld torch to assess the anterior eye. All participants underwent the ROPLAS test followed by lacrimal syringing. All data were recorded and analysed properly. Results: Sixty patients (20%) experienced unilateral epiphora, while the majority, 240 (80%), reported bilateral epiphora. 208 (69.33%) were females, and 92 (30.66%) were males, indicating a high rate of epiphora in the female population. An occasional tearing pattern was observed in 224 (74.66%) cases, and a continuous tearing pattern in 76 (25.33%) cases. The ROPLAS test showed positive results in 67 (22.33%) and negative results in 233 (77.66%), among younger people. The most common cause of epiphora was blocked tear ducts, with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusions: This study suggests that nasolacrimal duct obstruction is the main cause of epiphora. In total, 197 (65.66%) patients had lacrimal system obstruction or blockage, highlighting the high frequency of epiphora in northern India.
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| eISSN: | 1689-362X |
| ISSN: | 1505-2753 |
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