Lacrimal canaliculitis- A case report

Abstract

Lacrimal canaliculitis is an infection of the lacrimal duct system. It is an uncommon, often misdiagnosed diagnosis because it can mimic many other common ocular conditions.The classic features of lacrimal canaliculitis are mild to severe swelling of the canaliculus, mucopurulent discharge from the punctum, and a red, pouting punctum.Canaliculitis should be appropriately diagnosed and treated to avoid recurrent inflammation and possible obstruction of the upper portion of the lacrimal system.However, Primary chronic canaliculitis may account for approximately 2% of all tearing problems. Actinomycosis may form in up to 2% of all lacrimal disease and can cause conjunctivitis or lacrimal canaliculitis with no generalized systemic invasion.Canaliculotomy with systemic or topical antibiotics is the most appropriate treatment for this disorder. We report a case of lacrimal canaliculitis in a 57years old female who presented in our opd with painless swelling of the right medial upper lid and occasional redness for 2 years. Despite surgical management being the definitive treatment , the patient was managed conservatively with no recurrence till date.