Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac, located near the inner corner of the eye, responsible for draining tears into the nose. This condition often arises from a blocked tear duct, leading to tear accumulation and bacterial growth. Dacryocystitis can be congenital, affecting around one-third of newborns. Symptoms typically include excessive tearing, redness and tenderness near the nose, swelling, fever, and discharge from the eye. Diagnosis involves a thorough examination and possibly culturing the fluid from the lacrimal sac to identify the causative bacteria. Treatment commonly includes antibiotics, either topical or oral, and in severe cases, intravenous administration may be necessary. While antibiotics can resolve the infection, they do not address the underlying blockage, which may require additional interventions such as massage or surgery. Currently, there are no established preventive measures for this condition, underscoring the importance of prompt medical attention for affected individuals.
Dacryocystitis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED:Eyes,nose, vision
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Blocked tear duct, dacryostenosis
Definition
Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac, which is located on the side of the nose near the inner corner of the eye. The lacrimal sac drains tears from the eye into the tear ducts leading into the nose. Dacryocystitis is sometimes a congenital condition, which means it is present at birth. The condition affects as many as one-third of all newborn babies.
Causes
Dacryocystitis is typically caused by a blocked tear duct. When tears are unable to drain, they accumulate in the tear duct system, leading to the growth of bacteria, which leads to the infection.
Risk Factors
The risk from untreated dacryocystitis is a bacterial infection, which could cause a number of problems, including fever and infection elsewhere in the body. The condition occurs most often in infants.
Symptoms
Dacryocystitis can cause excessive tearing or watering of the eye when the infant is not crying; reddening of the side of the nose near the inner corner of the eye; tenderness of the side of the nose near the inner corner of the eye; swelling or a bump on the side of the nose; fever; mucus or pus in the corner of the eye; and crusty eyelids or eyelashes after sleep.
Screening and Diagnosis
A doctor will ask about symptoms and medical history and will perform a physical exam. Tests may include a culture of the fluid from the lacrimal sac. The fluid is examined to determine the type of bacteria present and to determine which antibiotics may help. The physical examination includes looking at the eye and the lacrimal system.
Treatment and Therapy
Treatment options for dacryocystitis include eye drops, oral antibiotics, and antibiotic ointments to kill the bacteria and clear up the infection. For severe infections, persons may be admitted to a hospital to receive antibiotics intravenously. Treatment for the infection does not treat the usual underlying cause of the infection: the blocked tear duct. To treat the blocked tear duct, the tear duct system may need to be massaged (once the infection has healed) to help remove the obstruction. If the obstruction cannot be removed, surgery may be required to prevent recurring dacryocystitis.
Prevention and Outcomes
There are no known ways to prevent dacryocystitis except for attempting to open a blocked tear duct system.
Bibliography
Cohen, Adam, Michael Mercandetti, and Brian Brazzo, eds. The Lacrimal System: Diagnosis, Management, and Surgery. New York: Springer, 2006.
Miller, Stephen J. H. Parsons’ Diseases of the Eye. 19th ed. New York: Elsevier, 2002.
National Library of Medicine. “Blocked Tear Duct.” Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001016.htm. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Sutton, Amy L., ed. Eye Care Sourcebook: Basic Consumer Health Information About Eye Care and Eye Disorders. 3d ed. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2008.
"Tear Duct Infection (Dacryocystitis)." Harvard Health Publishing, 15 May 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/a‗to‗z/tear-duct-infection-dacryocystitis-a-to-z. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Van Haeringen, N. J. “Aging and the Lacrimal System.” British Journal of Ophthalmology 81 (1997): 824-826.