In this study, an easily palpable landmark, the supraorbital notch or
foramen, was used to simplify the localization of the nasolacrimal duc
t during the probing procedure. The notch was palpated in 50 patients
of a pediatric clinic. The topographic anatomy of the notch in relatio
n to the lacrimal drainage system was studied in 10 skulls. The suprao
rbital notch is a convenient landmark for the guidance of a probe into
the nasolacrimal canal. This technique should reduce the failure rate
of probing without the need for infracturing of the lower turbinate o
r silicone intubation.