Jemds.com Original Research Article J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci./eISSN- 2278-4802, pISSN- 2278-4748/ Vol. 5/ Issue 77/ Sept. 26, 2016 Page 5688 CANALICULAR LACERATIONS: A STUDY OF ITS DEMOGRAPHY AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF WESTERN INDIA Mehul R. Patel 1 , Snehal Ganatra 2 , Purvi Bhagat 3 1 Resident Doctor, Department of Ophthalmology, M and J Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. 2 Resident Doctor, Department of Ophthalmology, M and J Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. 3 Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, M and J Western Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. ABSTRACT PURPOSE To analyse the demography, epidemiological data and clinical profile of canalicular lacerations in a Western Regional Institute of India. METHODS It was a prospective study of 220 patients from July 1, 2014 to May 30, 2016, who presented with varying eyelid lacerations and repair. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty patients underwent eyelid laceration repairs, of which 43 (19.5%) had involvement of the canalicular system. Of these, the mean age at presentation was 25 years. There were 35 men (81.4%) and 8 women (18.6 %). In this study, the most common cause of injury was industrial accidents in 32.6% followed by 25.6% of road traffic accidents. Among children, the most common mechanism of injury was blouse-hook injury. Lower canaliculus was involved in 26 patients (60.5%), upper in 12 patients (27.9%) and both in 5 patients (11.6%). Thirty canalicular lacerations underwent stenting (Angiocatheter tube). CONCLUSION The results of this study provide a series of high-risk conditions causing eye injuries, which would be better avoided and we also emphasise the use of protective eye equipment. KEYWORDS Lid Tear, Canalicular Laceration, Canalicular Stent, Industrial Hazards. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Patel MR, Ganatra S, Bhagat P. Canalicular lacerations: a study of its demography and epidemiological characteristics in a tertiary care center of Western India. J. Evolution Med. Dent. Sci. 2016;5(77):5688-5690, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2016/1283 INTRODUCTION Ocular trauma is an important cause of visual impairment worldwide. Protective mechanisms against ocular trauma are reflex closure of eyelids in response to trauma. The upward rotation of eye in response to sudden stimulus and also the cushioning effect of retrobulbar fat are also protective. Although many forms and settings of ocular trauma are preventable, ocular trauma will continue to represent a significant problem in the foreseeable future. Eyelid lacerations are an important subtype of ocular trauma. Lesions of the lacrimal drainage system occur in up to 16% of all eyelid injuries. [1] Canalicular lacerations are the most common form of injury of lacrimal drainage system, because of their exposed position in the upper and lower lid. [2] In children dog bites, handlebar injuries and collisions with sharp objects while running (e.g. sticks, thorns, protruding nail) comprise the most common aetiologies. [3,4,5] In adolescents and adults, blunt trauma (e.g. motor vehicle collision, fist fight, sports, injury at workplace) is most frequent. [6] Males are affected more commonly than females. Financial or Other, Competing Interest: None. Submission 27-07-2016, Peer Review 12-09-2016, Acceptance 19-09-2016, Published 23-09-2016. Corresponding Author: Dr. Mehul R. Patel, #5/27, Swair Vihar Society, Panjara Pole Cross Road, Ambavadi, Ahmedabad-380016. E-mail: drmehulpatel311@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2016/1283 Proper management of canalicular lacerations require thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the lacrimal drainage system, eyelids and periorbital structures, careful examination for associated ocular injury and prompt referral to a team of subspecialists when complicated lacerations are encountered. Use of angiocatheter tubes as against mini monoka stents in the repair of canalicular laceration is a safe, economical and feasible alternative, especially since majority of patients presenting with such injuries are of lower socio-economic strata. The results obtained by stenting with angiocatheter tube are comparable with those obtained by stenting with mini monoka stent. [7] Improper repair leads to lifelong epiphora and also often becomes an issue of cosmetic concern. In spite of this being one of the preventable health issues commonly seen around the world, unfortunately limited literature is available on the demography and epidemiological aspects of canalicular involvement in eyelid trauma. [8] Further, understanding the consequences of a maltreated tear, it becomes extremely important to address this issue in order to reduce its impact on the socioeconomics of the community. [9] MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective study carried out from July 1, 2014 to May 30, 2016 in a Tertiary Referral Care Center of Western India in 220 eyes having eyelid lacerations. All ethical aspects have been taken due care of. This study included all patients presenting to the emergency clinic with eyelid tears and canalicular lacerations. Those patients having profound tissue loss and primarily operated elsewhere for eyelid injury were excluded.