Symptomatic cicatrizial occlusion of canaliculi after insertion of Herrick lacrimal plugs.
OBJECTIVE
To report severe symptomatic complications following bilateral insertion of Herrick lacrimal plugs.


METHODS
Interventional case report.


METHODS
Bilateral clinical, surgical, and histologic findings in a patient with surgical revision of canaliculi after plug insertion.


RESULTS
A 55-year-old patient presented with recurrent inflammation, discharge, and epiphora 24 months after insertion of lacrimal plugs; surgical intervention and partial resection of the cicatrized canaliculi was necessary. Light microscopic histology revealed canaliculi destruction, reactive tissue embedding of the plugs, and dissociated plug material.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of Herrick lacrimal plugs may not be reversible and may require invasive surgical intervention.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. gerdinh@uni-muenster.de
Heinrich
H
Gerding
Judith
J
Küppers
Holger
H
Busse
D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000473:pathology*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D012008:Recurrence