Canaliculitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of canaliculitis?

Canaliculitis is an infection of the lacrimal canaliculus, the small tube that drains tears from the eye into the tear sac. Symptoms of canaliculitis can include:

1. Tearing: Excessive tearing (epiphora) may occur due to obstruction of the lacrimal system.
2. Pain: Pain and tenderness along the inner corner of the affected eye, where the lacrimal canaliculus is located.
3. Redness: Redness and swelling near the inner corner of the eye (medial canthus) may be present.
4. Discharge: Thick, yellow or green discharge from the affected eye, often described as “pus,” can be a sign of infection.
5. Crusting: Crusting of the eyelids, particularly near the inner corner of the eye, may occur due to the discharge.
6. Foreign body sensation: A feeling of something being stuck in the eye or eyelid due to the infection and inflammation.
7. Blurry vision: In some cases, canaliculitis can cause blurred vision, especially if the infection is severe or affects the cornea.
8. Swelling: Swelling of the eyelids, particularly near the inner corner of the eye, can occur.

It’s important to consult with an eye care professional if you experience symptoms of canaliculitis, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

What are the causes of canaliculitis?

Canaliculitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, most commonly by Actinomyces israelii or other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species. These bacteria can enter the lacrimal canaliculus through various means, leading to infection. Common causes and risk factors for canaliculitis include:

1. Blockage: Blockage or obstruction of the lacrimal canaliculus, which can occur due to various reasons such as inflammation, trauma, or foreign bodies, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
2. Poor eyelid hygiene: Inadequate cleaning of the eyelids and eyelashes can lead to the accumulation of debris and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
3. Chronic blepharitis: Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can contribute to the development of canaliculitis by creating an environment favorable for bacterial growth.
4. Contact lens use: People who wear contact lenses may be at higher risk of developing canaliculitis due to potential contamination of lenses or solutions with bacteria.
5. Eye surgery or trauma: Previous eye surgery or trauma to the eye area can disrupt the normal anatomy of the lacrimal canaliculus, making it more susceptible to infection.
6. Immune system disorders: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS, can increase the risk of developing infections like canaliculitis.
7. Age: Canaliculitis is more common in older adults, possibly due to age-related changes in the eye and immune system.
8. Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as dust, pollen, or other irritants, can also increase the risk of developing canaliculitis.

It’s important to identify and address the underlying cause of canaliculitis to prevent recurrence and complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection, along with measures to improve eyelid hygiene and manage any underlying conditions.

What is the treatment for canaliculitis?

Treatment for canaliculitis typically involves a combination of medical and sometimes surgical interventions. The goal is to eliminate the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent recurrence. Here are common treatment approaches:

1. Antibiotic therapy: The primary treatment for canaliculitis is usually antibiotic eye drops or ointment. These are often prescribed for several weeks to ensure that the infection is fully cleared.
2. Warm compresses: Applying warm compresses to the affected eye can help soothe the area, reduce swelling, and improve the flow of tears, aiding in the removal of debris and bacteria.
3. Steroid eye drops: In some cases, steroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the eyelids and surrounding tissues.
4. Oral antibiotics: If the infection is severe or does not respond to topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection.
5. Canalicular irrigation: In cases where there is significant blockage or debris in the lacrimal canaliculus, a procedure called canalicular irrigation may be performed. This involves flushing the canaliculus with a saline solution to remove blockages and debris.
6. Surgical intervention: In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, or there are recurrent infections, surgical intervention may be necessary. Procedures such as dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) or canaliculotomy may be performed to create a new drainage pathway or remove infected tissue.
7. Eyelid hygiene: Proper eyelid hygiene is essential to prevent recurrence of canaliculitis. This includes regular cleaning of the eyelids and eyelashes with warm water and mild soap and avoiding rubbing or scratching the eyes.
8. Management of underlying conditions: If canaliculitis is associated with underlying conditions such as blepharitis or immune system disorders, appropriate management of these conditions is important to prevent recurrence.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations closely and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. Prompt and proper treatment can help resolve canaliculitis and prevent complications.

Will canaliculitis go away on its own?

Canaliculitis is unlikely to resolve on its own without treatment. Since it is caused by a bacterial infection, it typically requires medical intervention to clear the infection and prevent complications. Without treatment, canaliculitis can persist and may lead to chronic symptoms, such as tearing, discharge, and discomfort.

If you suspect you have canaliculitis or are experiencing symptoms suggestive of the condition, it’s important to consult with an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.