Canaliculitis with a papilloma-like mass caused by a temporary punctal plug.

Absorbable plugs are used before attempting permanent occlusion to observe whether the patient will be amenable to treatment for dry eye. Little is known about the complications of absorbable plugs. The authors present a case of canaliculitis with a papilloma-like mass caused by long-standing unabsorbed collagen plug that had been placed 3 years earlier. This is an uncommon clinical presentation that may be encountered in patients who have canaliculitis symptoms and a history of intracanalicular temporary plug placement.