Dr.Jyoti Batra

Dr.SONALI SINGH

Abstract

Canaliculitis is an uncommon inflammation of proximal lacrimal drainage system. Common treatment guidelines are topical antibiotics, syringing, curratage, canaliculotomy.

We present review of patients(n=15) with canaliculitis managed over 5 years in our hospital . It was more common in lower lid and for middle aged, elderly women. Common complaints were discharge, lid swelling; epiphora was uncommon. Only topical antibiotics did not achieve control despite sensitivity to medication.

We did canaliculotomy, microbiological culture of pus. Causative organisms most often isolated were Staphylococcus, Nocardia and Actinomyces. These are often microaerophic/ anaerobic, hence anaerobic culture is also needed.

After treatment with antibiotics after canaliculotomy, 1 patient had relapse. New symptoms of epiphora wasn’t seen; patients with prior watering had reduced symptoms.

Basis this, canaliculotomy, culture(aerobic and anaerobic) with topical antibiotics gives excellent results.