Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac located between the inner corner of the eyelids and the nose. It usually begins with a blockage of the lacrimal duct that carries tears from the lacrimal sac to the nose. The blocked duct collects germs and becomes infected. Dacryocystitis can be acute (meaning it happens suddenly) or it can be chronic (meaning it happens often). It can be associated with anatomical disorders of the lacrimal duct, with injury, as well as infection of the eye.
This problem can also happen to newborns because their tear duct is not fully developed and becomes blocked more easily. Babies often have recurring episodes of infections, however, in most cases, the problem stops occurring as the child gets older. In adults, the infection may come from a wound or inflammation of the nasal passages, but in many cases the cause is unknown.
Symptoms of Dacryocystitis
- Usually one eye is affected
- Intense lacrimation
- Tenderness, redness, swelling
- Red, infected swelling in the inner corner of the lower eyelid
- Eye gum
Treatment
The treatment of dacryocystitis depends on the age of the patient, whether the problem is chronic or acute, and the cause of the infection. Adults are given antibiotics (topical and oral) during the acute phase and in the second year an ascorinostomy is performed where you create a new drainage of the tears from the eye to the nose (a by-pass). In infants, the area between the eye and the nose is usually gently massaged to help open the duct, along with antibiotic drops or ointments for the infection. If medication is not effective and the problem persists for several months, surgery may be needed to clear the blockage. Before surgery, the eye doctor may give the child antibiotics to make sure the infection is gone. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.