Related articles: Dacryocystite
Definition
Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac, usually caused by an infection with staphylococci or streptococci.
Often, dacryocystitis is a consequence of an obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (which normally helps to drain excess tears from the eye). The conditions that cause a stenosis (narrowing) or an occlusion of the lacrimal ducts, therefore, make the eyes more vulnerable to dacryocystitis: the pathological stasis of the tears determines in fact an irritation of the mucosa of covering of the lacrimal sac that contains them, besides facilitate the implantation of germs.
Dacryocystitis can occur at any age, but tends to be more common in children. These, in fact, may also present a congenital obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (defect referred to as dacrocistocele).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Conjunctivitis
- Ocular pain
- Exophthalmos
- Temperature
- Pus formation
- Eyelid swelling
- Tearing
- Eyes reddened
- Ocular secretion
Further indications
Symptoms of acute dacryocystitis include excessive tearing, pain, redness and edema at the medial level of the lower eyelid (in the inner corner of the eye). Furthermore, acupressure exerted at the lacrimal sac may cause purulent or mucoid secretions with lacrimal dots to escape.
Sometimes, a serious infection can cause the onset of fever and the collection of pus, which can also be discharged on the skin surface by forming a fistula. If the dacryocystis becomes chronic, a swelling in the vicinity of the lacrimal sac may persist.
The most common complication of dacryocystitis is corneal ulceration. Infrequently and especially in immunocompromised individuals, the infection can spread to the superficial level (cellulite), deep (abscess) or generalized (sepsis).
The treatment of dacryocystitis involves the application of hot packs on the area (in the absence of signs of infection), gentle massages to promote drainage and the use of antibiotics prescribed based on the results of the microbiological culture test. In some cases, to repair the obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, it is necessary to resort to a dacryocystorhinostomy; this intervention is decisive and consists in creating a direct communication between the lacrimal sac and the nasal fossa.
