DR ISHA CHATURVEDI

DR. SREEDHARA S. NAIK

Abstract

Canaliculitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal canaliculi which may occur primarily due to infection or secondary to punctal plug insertion or intubation. Despite well described clinical findings, it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, accounting for just 2% of all lacrimal diseases. Rates of misdiagnosis vary from 45-100% with delays of diagnosis as long as 20 years. We present a case series showing many clinical signs of chronic canaliculitis. Common features observed were mucopurulent discharge, medial canthal swelling, mattering of eyelashes, pouting punctum with localised erythema and purulent discharge (in some cases, granules or concretions) on manual expression. Examination must include palpation of the medial canthal region and eyelids, slit lamp examination and lacrimal irrigation and probing. A high index of suspicion is needed in patients with chronic or recurrent unilateral conjunctivitis, thickened canaliculus, pouting punctum, or expressible yellow discharge.