Dacryocystitis
Dacryocystitis is a common condition in ophthalmology that occurs when the lacrimal sac becomes infected and inflamed. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including eye redness, pain, tearing, and discharge. In this blog post, we will discuss the definition, causes, clinical findings, and treatment options for dacryocystitis.
Definition:
Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac, which is the small sac located at the corner of the eye that collects tears. It is typically caused by a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct, which can lead to an accumulation of tears and bacteria in the sac.
Causes:
There are several causes of dacryocystitis, including:
- Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct
- Bacterial infection, which can occur as a result of the blockage
- Trauma or injury to the eye or surrounding area
- Allergic reactions or irritants that cause inflammation in the area
Clinical findings:
The symptoms of dacryocystitis can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but common findings include:
- Redness and swelling around the corner of the eye
- Pain and tenderness
- Tearing and discharge, which may be thick and pus-like
- Crusting around the eyelashes
- Fever and other signs of systemic infection in severe cases
Treatment:
Treatment for dacryocystitis typically involves a combination of antibiotic therapy and measures to relieve the blockage in the nasolacrimal duct. Specific antibiotic choices include:
- Oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefpodoxime, or doxycycline
- Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin ointment or ciprofloxacin drops
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the blockage and prevent recurrent infections. This may involve a procedure called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which involves creating a new drainage pathway for tears to bypass the blocked duct.
In conclusion, dacryocystitis is a common condition in ophthalmology that can cause a range of symptoms, including eye redness, pain, tearing, and discharge. It is typically caused by a blockage in the nasolacrimal duct, which can lead to an accumulation of tears and bacteria in the lacrimal sac. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and measures to relieve the blockage, with surgical intervention reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative management