The Bacteriology of Congenital Lacrimal Obstruction

Abstract

Little is known concerning the flora associated with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. Because one patient developed a lid abscess related to an unexpected organism (Eikenella corrodens) following apparently uneventful lacrimal probing, we have cultured all children undergoing this procedure. A total of 121 patients (aged 2 weeks to 39 months, mean 14 months) were studied. Positive cultures were obtained in 66. Predominant organisms included alpha-hemolytic streptococci, S. pneumoniae, coagulase negative staphylococci, diphtheroid-like gram positive bacteria, H. influenza, and P. aeuroginosa. Probing success was not related to culture results. No postoperative infection was encountered after the index case. Erythromycin ointment seems effective prophylaxis, since it covers most organisms encountered.

• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• culture
• surgery