ARGYROSIS OF THE CONJUNCTIVA AND LACRIMAL SAC.

Abstract

This paper reports a patient with marked argyrosis of the conjunctiva and lacrimal sac. Only two reports 1,2 of argyrosis of the lacrimal sac have appeared in the English literature since de Schweinitz's original description in 1903. 3 Report of Patient A 66-year-old white woman who had used selfprescribed Argyrol (a mild silver protein preparation) over many years for recurrent mild conjunctivitis was first seen in consultation on Aug 1, 1963. She had known of an obstructed left nasolacrimal duct for one year and had continued the use of Argyrol eye drops. Her eyes were healthy except for findings in the conjunctiva and lacrimal apparatus. The conjunctiva showed typical discoloration of argyrosis bilaterally, which was most marked in the lower cul-de-sacs. The right nasolacrimal apparatus irrigated freely. Fluid injected through the left lower canaliculis, however, regurgitated through the upper, indicating an obstruction of the duct rather than the canaliculi. Nothing