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Canaliculitis is infection of the lacrimal canaliculus, also called the lacrimal duct (see Eyelid and Tearing Disorders: Viewing the Lacrimal Structures).

Canaliculitis may cause tearing, discharge, red eye, and mild tenderness. Redness and tenderness are most prominent at the side of the eye near the nose. The symptoms can resemble those of dacryocystitis.

Using Eye Drops and Eye Ointments The person receiving the drop or ointment should lean back and look up. With a clean forefinger, the lower eyelid is gently pulled down to create a pocket. Eye drops are then dropped into the pocket, not directly onto the eye. When using eye ointments, a small strip of ointment is placed in the pocket. Blinking distributes the drop or ointment over the eye.

An ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating eye disorders and doing eye surgery) can often irrigate the infected duct with an antibiotic solution. People should then apply warm compresses and use antibiotic eye drops. Occasionally, the infection requires surgical treatment.

Last full review/revision November 2007 by James Garrity, MD