Canaliculitis

[Tracie Lynn]

Canaliculitis is inflammation (usually caused by infection) of the canaliculus. The canaliculus (plural, canaliculi) is a short channel near the inner corner of the eyelid through which tears drain into the tear sac. (Each eye has two canaliculi, one for the upper eyelid and one for the lower.)
Canaliculitis may cause tearing, discharge, red eye, and mild tenderness. Redness and tenderness are most prominent at the side of the eyelid near the nose. The symptoms can resemble those of dacryocystitis.