Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Nasolacrimal Lavage as a Treatment for Ocular Surface Toxic Soup Syndrome
Published on: April 25, 2025
Lacrimal canaliculitis as a cause of recurrent conjunctivitis
Sidath E Liyanage1, Michael Wearne
1Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. sidath@doctors.net.uk
Background:
Bacterial conjunctivitis is routinely managed by optometrists. This case report describes a case of lacrimal canaliculitis, which is a cause for nonresolving conjunctivitis and is commonly misdiagnosed.
Case Report:
A 48-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of chronic conjunctivitis in the right eye. This was diagnosed as bacterial in etiology but had a short-lived response to various topical antibiotics. Examination found signs of canaliculitis, and Actinomyces israelii was cultured from the discharge. This was treated successfully by canaliculotomy with curettage followed by a postoperative course of phenoxymethylpenicillin.
Conclusions:
It is important to consider the diagnosis of lacrimal canaliculitis in any patient with chronic or recurrent conjunctivitis. Greater awareness of this condition would prevent misdiagnosis and delays in referral for definitive treatment.
More Related Videos
08:04A Rabbit Model of Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye Disease Induced by Concanavalin A Injection into the Lacrimal Glands: Application to Drug Efficacy Studies
Published on: January 24, 2020
07:30Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Microbiome of the Eye
Glaucoma: Overview
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Accessory Structures of the Eye
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...