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Dacryocystitis

June 5, 2023/

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