Dacryocystitis

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Table Contents Definition Introduction Causes of Dacryocystitis Types of Dacryocystitis Symptoms of Dacryocystitis Diagnosis of Dacryocystitis Treatment of Dacryocystitis Conclusion 2

Definition Dacryocystitis is an infection of the tear sacs or lacrimal sacs in the lower corner of the eye that can cause pain, redness, and discomfort. 3

Introduction When there is a blockage in the tear sacs or tear ducts, this process gets disrupted, and used tears cannot travel away from the eye. Bacteria can then collect in the area. As the symptoms of dacryocystitis are similar to many other eye infections, it is important that people see their doctor who can rule out more serious conditions and prevent the infection from spreading or causing complications. 4

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Causes of Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is most common in infants. However, adults over the age of 40 also have a higher risk of developing dacryocystitis. In infancy, congenital abnormalities of the tear ducts, such as a blockage in the tear duct that runs to the nasal passages, are a common cause of dacryocystitis. 6

Causes of Dacryocystitis Causes of dacryocystitis in older children and adults include: sinusitis nasal abscess trauma to the region that causes a blockage tumors in the sinus or nasal passages bacteria that causes strep or staph infections 7

Types of Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis can be either acute or chronic. Symptoms of acute dacryocystitis start suddenly and often include fever and pus from the eye. Bacterial infections are usually the cause of acute dacryocystitis, and antibiotic treatment usually resolves the infection within a few days. 8

Types of Dacryocystitis In cases of chronic dacryocystitis: The symptoms are often less severe, and fever and pus may not be present. However, some people may experience long lasting pain or discomfort from the corner of the eye. Chronic dacryocystitis may be caused by an obstruction in the tear ducts. In some severe cases of chronic dacryocystitis, surgery to widen the tear ducts may be needed to relieve symptoms. 9

Symptoms of Dacryocystitis Both acute or chronic dacryocystitis can cause the following symptoms: pus and thick discharge from the eye pain in the lower outside corner of the eyelid redness and swelling near the lower outside eyelid watery eye excess tears fever 10

Diagnosis of Dacryocystitis Diagnosing dacryocystitis is relatively simple. During an exam, a doctor may ask for a person s medical history and then access the eye for visible signs of dacryocystitis, such as swelling or redness. A doctor may press on the lacrimal sac to see if pus comes out. If it does, the doctor may collect a sample of the pus to test for bacteria. 11

Diagnosis of Dacryocystitis In some cases, a doctor may do a dye disappearance test. During this test, the doctor will place yellow dye in the corner of the eye. In a healthy eye, the yellow dye will disappear after a few minutes. If there is a blockage, the dye will linger in the eye for much longer. 12

Diagnosis of Dacryocystitis The dye disappearance test can also indicate whether the tear ducts are partially or entirely blocked. To check the level of blockage, a doctor will then swab inside the person s nose on the side with the suspected blockage. If dye has passed through to the inside of the nose, it is likely to be a partial blockage. 13

Treatment of Dacryocystitis Doctors usually only treat acute dacryocystitis when there is visible redness, cloudy discharge, or pus accompanied by a fever. In all age groups, acute dacryocystitis generally resolves quickly after taking oral antibiotics. Some people may use topical antibiotics as well. Those who have more severe symptoms may require intravenous (IV) antibiotics. 14

Treatment of Dacryocystitis In infants with recurrent cases of acute dacryocystitis, the tear ducts usually outgrow the blockage by the time they are 9 to 12 months old. To treat chronic dacryocystitis, doctors may prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce swelling that may be obstructing the tear ducts. However, people with chronic dacryocystitis may need to surgery to widen their tear ducts or bypass the blockage. 15

Treatment of Dacryocystitis Most people with dacryocystitis can help relieve symptoms by using a warm compress on the outer part of the eye to help open up the ducts. Also, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti- inflammatory medications may help manage pain and fever until definitive treatment with antibiotics or surgery takes place. 16

Conclusion Most cases of acute dacryocystitis resolve with proper treatment and have no long-term effects. People who experience recurrent outbreaks of dacryocystitis should see a doctor to be evaluated for chronic dacryocystitis. Cases of chronic dacryocystitis typically resolve after surgery or other interventional treatment. 17

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