Canalicular laceration is a tear or injury to the lacrimal drainage system which damages different regions of eye such as, the canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct. 

The lacrimal drainage system starts with a puncta. The eyelid margins are divided into two parts: the larger palpebral portion and the smaller lacrimal portion. 

Canalicular lacerations are a common form of lacrimal system injury, and it is always involved with the inferior canaliculus site. 

The prevention of canalicular lacerations aims to increase the safety of the eye and decrease the chances of any traumatic injuries. 

Canalicular lacerations are caused by direct trauma in the periocular region. 

Impact force can cause tearing of canaliculi which disrupts the normal drainage pathway for tears. 

Canalicular lacerations is caused by traumatic events such as direct blows to the face, and severe car accidents. 

It is also caused by trauma, which results from direct mechanical force to the eyelids. 

Early detection and proper surgical intervention these are two important prognostic factors plays an important role in the prognosis of canalicular lacerations. 

Canalicular repair success rates range from 20% to 100%, with success increasing to 86% to 95% with microscopic evaluation of severed canaliculus and silicone intubation of the lacrimal system. 

Canalicular lacerations can occur across various age groups, especially in children and adults.  

• Ocular Examination  
• Lacrimal system evaluation 
• Functional assessment 

The delay in presentation may create challenges in diagnosis and management process due to the potential healing and scarring of tissue which has already occurred. 

A detailed family history and physical examination of patient is conducted by an eye specialist, which includes evaluation of the puncta, and lacrimal sac. 

Surgical repair of the canalicular laceration is recommended by surgeons to maintain the continuous flow of the lacrimal drainage system. 

Schedule follow-up visits to monitor the progress of patients, recovery, and ensure resolution of symptoms. 

Ophthalmology

Patient should start wearing safety goggles, glasses to protect their vision from ocular injury.  

Patients should maintain good hygiene practices, especially in wound care which can prevent infection and promote optimal healing. 

Avoid rubbing and scratching the eyes, which may disrupt healing or cause further injury. 

A few lifestyle modifications need to be followed by patients, such as intake of healthy nutritional supplements and proper hydration. 

Ophthalmology

Dexamethasone has anti-inflammatory properties and binds with glucocorticoid receptors and modulates gene expression. 

Dexamethasone is directly put in the eyes of patients in the form of eye drops, as suggested by physicians. 

Cephalexin belongs to class of cephalosporins, which disrupts bacterial cell wall formation and binds to penicillin-binding proteins. 

Cephalexin is taken orally by patient in the form of capsules or tablets, as suggested by physicians.  

Ophthalmology

Surgical repair aims to achieve direct apposition and secure closure of the lacerated canaliculus. Surgical repair involves various surgeries like canalicular stenting, canalicular intubation and microsurgical repair; these procedures are used according to patient situations and severity of Canalicular Laceration.  

Local anesthesia is commonly used for surgical repairs of canalicular lacerations which involve topical anesthetic drops or ointment. 

In children, repairs work best in general anesthesia but in adult’s surgeons may perform them with monitored anesthesia and intravenous sedation. 

Ophthalmology

In acute phase, activities like immediate examination of patient, wound care, and pain management should be performed by the physician.  

Surgical intervention is needed as per the patient’s condition and the spread of this eye condition.   

In sub-acute phase, patients should receive all the required attention in the form of postoperative care, monitoring, and rehabilitation. 

Provide proper education about Canalicular Laceration and its related causes, how it spreads, and how to stop it with management strategies.