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Dacryocystitis
(Infected Tear Duct)
Pronounced: Dak-re-o-sis-ti-tis
Definition
Dacryocystitis is the infection of the lacrimal sac, found 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.
Lacrimal Apparatus
The lacrimal apparatus includes the lacrimal gland, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct, and other structures.
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
Dacryocystitis is typically caused by a blocked tear duct. A blocked or narrowed tear duct (dacryostenosis) is a common condition in newborn babies. When tears are unable to drain, they accumulate in the tear duct system leading to the growth of bacteria, which leads to the infection.
Blocked Tear Duct
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Risk Factors
The risk from untreated dacryocystitis is bacterial infection. This could cause a number of problems, including fever and infection elsewhere in the body.
Symptoms
The condition occurs most often in infants and can cause the following symptoms:
- Excessive tearing or watering of the eye, which occurs when the child 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 bump on the side of the nose
- Fever
- Mucus or pus in the corner of the eye
- Crusty eyelids or eyelashes after sleep
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
- Culture of the fluid from the lacrimal sac may be examined to determine the type of bacteria present and to determine which antibiotics may help
- Physical examination of the eye and lacrimal system
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan. Treatment options include:
- Antibiotics—Eyedrops, oral, intravenous or antibiotic ointments are prescribed to kill the bacteria and clear up the infection.
- Hospitalization—In very severe infections, patients may be admitted to the 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 tear duct cannot be unobstructed, surgery may be required to prevent recurring dacryocystitis.
RESOURCES:
Kids Health
http://www.kidshealth.org/
Penn State Children's Hospital
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/childrens/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide
http://bchealthguide.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html
References:
Blocked tear duct. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001016.htm Accessed May 30, 2007
Blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis). Health Topics: Eye Care. University of Virginia Health System website. Available at: http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_eye/dacryost.cfm . Accessed May 30, 2007.
Tear duct obstruction and surgery. The Nemours Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/eyes/tear_duct_obstruct_surgery.html . Accessed May 30, 2007
Last reviewed September 2009 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.