Canaliculitis: review of 12 cases.

Canaliculitis must be considered in patients with chronic unilateral conjunctivitis. Pouting of the punctum, canalicular swelling and expression of particulate matter or stones are important clinical signs, and dacryocystography often helps in diagnosis. Meticulous microbiologic studies may not reveal actinomycetes. Canaliculotomy with silver nitrate cauterization is effective treatment.