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 successful ly treated with monocanalicular lacrimal intubation. Methods: Case report. Results: Previous neurotrophic corneal ulcers in a child with hemifacial mi crosomia had become secondarily infected from a stagnant tear lake, resulti ng in significant corneal scarring and visual loss. A single monocanalicula r stent maintained nasolacrimal patency without causing further corneal tra uma, 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.