Alacrima, a rare cause of pediatric dry eye

Abstract

We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who presented with a history of 4-5years of severe bilateral photophobia, with exacerbation and increased ocular pain for 3-4days. There were no systemic signs, and serology tests were negative; however, parents noted crying without tears since birth. Computerized tomography of the orbits revealed bilateral hypoplasia of lacrimal glands. A clinico-radiological correlation suggested a diagnosis of alacrima, a rare entity that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe pediatric dry eye, which is itself a commonly overlooked condition. In addition to artificial tears, permanent punctal occlusion with cautery provided symptomatic relief to the patient.