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Congenital Etiologies of Lacrimal System Obstructions

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The Lacrimal System

Conclusion

The etiologies of nasolacrimal outflow obstruction are multifactorial. They can be the result of external forces causing clefts in the outflow pathway or of pressure causing occlusion of the system, as seen with nasal cysts or masses. Genetic factors may have a role in the embryogenesis of syndromic entities that are associated with epiphora. Obstruction to outflow must be distinguished from other causes of tearing such as lid malpositions, abnormal or misdirected lashes, or a poor lacrimal pump mechanism. An understanding of the various etiologies can help in better appreciating the anatomic sites of dysfunction and in the selection of the most appropriate medical and surgical solutions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology. The Scheie Eye Institute and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    William R. Katowitz MD (Resident)

  2. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    James A. Katowitz MD (Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Director of Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance)

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  1. William R. Katowitz MD
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  2. James A. Katowitz MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Eyelid and Facial Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Craniofacial Surgery, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA

    Adam J. Cohen MD (Consulting Surgeon) (Consulting Surgeon)

  2. Department of Surgery, Doctor’s Hospital, Sarasota, FL, 34239, USA

    Michael Mercandetti MD, MBA, FACS (Attending Staff) (Attending Staff)

  3. Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, 10021

    Brian G. Brazzo MD (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon) (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon)

  4. Oculoplastics Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, 11219

    Brian G. Brazzo MD (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon) (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon)

  5. Oculoplastics Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Lincoln Hospital, Bronx, NY, 10451

    Brian G. Brazzo MD (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon) (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon)

  6. Department of Ophthalmology, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, NY, 10003, USA

    Brian G. Brazzo MD (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon) (Clinical Assistant Professor, Director and Attending Surgeon)

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© 2006 Springer Science+Business Media, Inc.

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Katowitz, W.R., Katowitz, J.A. (2006). Congenital Etiologies of Lacrimal System Obstructions. In: Cohen, A.J., Mercandetti, M., Brazzo, B.G. (eds) The Lacrimal System. Springer, New York, NY . https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35267-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-35267-1_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-25385-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-35267-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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