Monocanalicular intubation for dacryostenosis in oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia (hemifacial microsomia) with congenital corneal anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To present a case of oculo-auriculo-vertebral dysplasia associated with corneal anesthesia and ipsilateral dacryostenosis that was successfully treated with monocanalicular lacrimal intubation.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

Previous neurotrophic corneal ulcers in a child with hemifacial microsomia had become secondarily infected from a stagnant tear lake, resulting in significant corneal scarring and visual loss. A single monocanalicular stent maintained nasolacrimal patency without causing further corneal trauma, despite constant medial gaze because of wide lateral tarsorrhaphy and contralateral occlusion therapy for amblyopia.

CONCLUSIONS

Monocanalicular stents may aid the treatment of dacryostenosis in the face of compromised corneal sensation.