Which condition is likely to benefit from probing of the tear duct?

Probing of the tear duct is a procedure often employed to address issues with the nasolacrimal duct system, particularly conditions that lead to tear drainage problems. Epiphora is characterized by excessive tearing or overflow of tears, typically due to an obstruction in the tear drainage system. This condition can arise when the tear duct is blocked, preventing tears from draining properly into the nasal cavity, leading to an accumulation of tears and watering of the eyes.

The probing procedure is aimed at opening blocked tear ducts to restore normal tear flow and alleviate the symptoms of excessive tearing. The success of the probing can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from epiphora caused by such blockages.

In contrast, the other conditions listed do not typically relate to tear duct obstructions. Epicanthus refers to a skin fold of the upper eyelid that may affect the appearance of the eyes but does not involve the tear drainage system. Exophoria is a type of strabismus where the eye tends to drift outward, which is a muscular or neurological issue rather than a problem with tear drainage. Episcleritis is an inflammation of the episclera, the tissue layer over the sclera of the eye, and does not directly impact tear duct functionality.