Inciidence of idiopathic acquired obstructions in the lacrimal drainage apparatus

Abstract

The incidence of idiopathic acquired obstructions in the lacrimal drainage apparatus has been assessed in a group of 3,487 patients. It is suggested that this group of patients may be regarded as a near-random sample of the population of this region. The overall incidence of obstructions on one or both sides, in males as compared with females, is more or less equal in any age group. There is a linear increase in the overall incidence of these obstructions as age advances, and it is suggested that the Figure offers an accurate means of assessing the expected incidence of idiopathic acquired obstructions for any age group. It is shown that 35-40 years is the earliest expected age at onset of an obstruction of this type. There is no significant difference in the incidence of right obstructions compared with left obstructions. The incidence of bilateral obstructions is compared with the incidence of unilateral obstructions, and the inter-relationship of these two groups is discussed.