Canaliculitis

Canaliculitis

Definition

This usually involves inflammation of the canaliculus.

Epidemiology and etiology: Genuine canaliculitisisrare.Usually a stricturewill be present and the actual inflammation proceeds from the conjunctiva. Actinomycetes (fungoid bacteria) often cause persistent purulent granular concrements that are difficult to express.

Symptoms and diagnostic considerations: The canaliculus region is swol-len, reddened, and often tender to palpation. Pus or granular concrements can be expressed.

Treatment: The disorder is treated with antibiotic eyedrops and ointmentsaccording to the specific pathogens detected in cytologic smears. Successful treatment occasionally requires surgical incision of the canaliculus.