title: An unusual case of conjunctival irritation and epiphora following external dacryocystorhinostomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors discuss a case of conjunctival irritation and epiphora in a patient who had undergone dacryocystorhinostomy three years earlier.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report, and a review of the world literature concerning lacrimal canalicular air regurgitation after dacryocystorhinostomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 70-year-old woman, who used continuous positive airway pressure therapy during sleep, complained of epiphora and conjunctival irritation. She had undergone dacryocystorhinostomy three years earlier. Her right eye had an augmented tear meniscus, with a predominantly medial conjunctival irritation. Conjunctival irritation from lacrimal canalicular air regurgitation was diagnosed. White petrolatum and mineral oil ophthalmic ointment was prescribed, applied topically before sleeping. After one month of treatment, complete relief of symptoms was obtained.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is little current information on managing such patients. It is imperative to discuss this potential complication when considering nasolacrimal surgery in patients using continuous positive airway pressure therapy.
authors.affiliation: G B Bietti Eye Foundation, Rome, Italy. mezzana@gmail.com
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mezzana
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marabottini
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Scarinci
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pasquini
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000388:Air; D003229:Conjunctival Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008899:Mineral Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009824:Ointments / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010577:Petrolatum / Q000008:administration & dosage; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D009824:Ointments; D010577:Petrolatum; D008899:Mineral Oil