Dacryocystitis is infection and inflammation of the lacrimal sac, the reservoir in the inner corner of the eyelids that drains tears into the nose. It is often caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct.
Symptoms
Patients experience pain, redness, and swelling at the inner corner of the lower eyelid, sometimes with discharge or a tender lump. Tearing (epiphora) is common.
- Acute episodes may be accompanied by fever and malaise
- Chronic dacryocystitis can cause persistent discharge and watering
- Pressure over the sac may express pus through the punctum
Treatment
Acute infection is treated with systemic antibiotics and careful monitoring. Definitive management usually requires surgery to bypass the blockage, such as external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.
Complications
Untreated dacryocystitis can lead to abscess formation or, rarely, spread of infection to surrounding tissues, so timely treatment is important.
