Corneal Perforation Associated with Lacrimal Canaliculitis: A Case Series

PURPOSE: To report seven eyes of six patients diagnosed with corneal perforation and lacrimal canaliculitis in a single facility. METHODS: Clinical records of patients with corneal perforation accompanied by lacrimal canaliculitis seen by the authors were reviewed. RESULTS: Six patients (7 eyes) with corneal perforation accompanied by lacrimal canaliculitis were identified. All patients were female, and all were treated with topical antibiotics while five were receiving topical corticosteroids. Two patients had a history of dacryocystitis and three had systemic immune diseases. The corneal lesions did not respond to topical antibiotics but were effectively treated by removal of concretions in the lacrimal canaliculi and lacrimal duct drainage together with conjunctival autograft or corneal transplantation. CONCLUSION: Lacrimal canaliculitis is a risk factor for corneal perforation. When corneal perforation does not respond to antibiotics, lacrimal canaliculitis should be considered.