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The International Journal on Orbital Disorders, Oculoplastic and Lacrimal Surgery
Volume 29, 2010 - Issue 5
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Case Reports

Complications of Intracanalicular Plugs: A Case Series

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Pages 271-273 | Received 23 Dec 2009, Accepted 29 Jan 2010, Published online: 02 Sep 2010
 

Abstract

Purpose: Intracanalicular plugs are commonly used in the management of dry eyes. The authors report 3 cases of complications associated with intracanalicular plugs.

Methods: Clinical findings and the management of these patients are presented.

Results: The first patient (case 1) is a 47-year-old female with severe dry eyes. Six months after insertion of intracanalicular Form fit hydrogel plugs (OASIS® Medical) she developed canaliculitis with Klebsiella oxytoca. The second patient (case 2), a 33-year-old female, who developed left canalicular abscess 5 months following the insertion of bilateral, intracanalicular Form fit hydrogel plugs (OASIS® Medical). The third patient (case 3) a 33-year-old female had granulation tissue formation within the left lower canaliculus, 5 years after insertion of intracanalicular plug. The symptoms in the three patients resolved after they underwent canaliculotomy with removal of the plugs.

Conclusion: Complications of intracanalicular plugs can sometimes outweigh their benefits. These plugs can lodge in the lacrimal outflow system and cause pyogenic granuloma formation and canaliculitis. To our knowledge, until now there have been no reports of complications associated with Form Fit hydrogel plugs (OASIS® Medical) and its infective complication with Klebsiella oxytoca.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

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