Dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac): symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Constant eye discomfort often leads people to attribute the unpleasant symptoms to fatigue, allergies, or colds, which leads to delayed visits to a specialist and the development of serious complications. One such dangerous condition is dacryocystitis, which is an infectious or aseptic lesion of the elements of the abduction system of the eye.
Comprehensive diagnosis of dacryocystitis in the early stages allows for rapid treatment of the acute process, restoration of natural visual function, and avoidance of surgical intervention.
The medical team at K31 Clinic does more than just relieve symptoms: we first determine the cause of the inflammation and then select the right treatment for your specific case.
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Dacryocystitis Symptoms: When to See a Doctor
At first, symptoms may resemble a common eye irritation. As fluid builds up and infection sets in, the symptoms become more severe.
When is urgent ophthalmologist care needed?
When should you make an appointment with an ophthalmologist?
- Tearing does not subside within several days and gets worse outdoors.
- A pronounced, dense swelling has developed in the inner corner of the eye, and the eyelid has completely closed.
- A copious purulent discharge is constantly coming from the eye.
- Severe throbbing pain or a feeling of unbearable pressure in the nasal area is bothering you.
- Body temperature rises and general well-being worsens.
Tearing, Redness, and Swelling
The very first and most persistent symptom, which causes discomfort, is persistent tearing, forcing the patient to constantly wipe their eyes with a handkerchief even in calm indoor weather. This is soon followed by localized redness of the conjunctiva and pronounced swelling in the inner corner of the eye, which resembles a small, rounded puffiness.
Purulent Discharge, Pain, and Pressure
As the infection progresses, the swelling increases in size, and copious purulent discharge from the puncta periodically appears, causing the eyelashes to stick together after sleep. Patients begin to experience a constant, bursting pain in the inner corner of the orbit, which may radiate to the brow, wing of the nose, or teeth.
How do we diagnose dacryocystitis?
The high-tech equipment at the K+31 clinic allows us to visualize the condition of the eye's drainage system with micron precision.
Ophthalmological examination and collection of complaints
During the initial consultation, an experienced ophthalmologist conducts a detailed interview to determine the progression of symptoms and the presence of concomitant chronic nasopharyngeal diseases.
The doctor gently palpates the lacrimal sac to record the nature of the discharge from the puncta and determine the degree of tissue tenderness.
Checking the Patency of the Lacrimal Ducts
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs functional tests: they instill a safe dye solution into the eye and evaluate its passage through the lacrimal ducts. If the dye remains on the surface of the eye, this indicates inflammation of the lacrimal ducts combined with obstruction.
When further testing is needed
In complex cases, the examination may be supplemented by a CT scan, radiographic contrast study, or lacrimal duct irrigation to accurately determine the level of blockage. If discharge is present, the doctor may order a bacterial culture to determine the appropriate antibiotic therapy.
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Dacryocystitis Treatment: What Methods Are Used?
Our team's main goal is to completely eliminate the source of infection and fully restore the natural flow of tear fluid.
Comparison of Lacrimal Duct Inflammation Treatment Methods
| Method | When Used | What It Provides |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Therapy | At the Initial Stage and in Acute Conditions | Quickly Reduces Inflammation and Kills Bacteria |
| Lacrylic Duct Irrigation | In Case of Partial Obstruction Outflow | Helps effectively restore canal patency |
| Probing | For persistent congenital obstruction | Completely eliminates the mechanical cause of the blockage |
| Surgical treatment | For advanced chronic cases | Radically solves the problem by creating a new pathway |
Drug therapy
In the early stages and during acute stages of the process, the doctor prescribes a course of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drops, as well as special ointments that are placed behind the eyelid at night. In severe cases, the medication regimen is supplemented with systemic antibiotics in tablet form.
Rinsing and Probing the Lacrimal Ducts
If conservative measures are ineffective, the doctor performs therapeutic rinsing of the lacrimal ducts with antiseptic solutions, which clears the cavity of purulent matter and disinfects the walls.
If rinsing is ineffective or if dense adhesions are present, probing of the lacrimal duct is performed using a special thin metal instrument.
Surgical Treatment for Chronic Disease
In situations where the disease has reached an advanced stage and the duct lumen has become completely obscured by scar tissue, surgery is the only reliable solution. Our clinic performs state-of-the-art dacryocystorhinostomy, during which the surgeon creates a completely new artificial drainage pathway for tears directly into the nasal cavity, bypassing the blocked area.
Targeted surgical treatment of dacryocystitis allows the patient to permanently end years of suffering.
Frequently asked questions about dacryocystitis
Can dacryocystitis be cured with drops?
How is dacryocystitis different from conjunctivitis?
When is probing or surgery required?
Why shouldn't dacryocystitis be ignored?
Conclusion: Why you should book a consultation
A dysfunctional lacrimal drainage system is a serious medical problem that significantly reduces a person's quality of life and puts them at risk for severe purulent complications. Trying to tolerate the symptoms or self-treating at home only worsens the situation, making it chronic and less responsive to conservative treatment.
The K+31 Clinic team is ready to offer you our expert experience, caring attitude, and the latest technology to painlessly resolve this issue. Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist today to receive a personalized treatment plan and put discomfort behind you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace an in-person consultation with an ophthalmologist.
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What is dacryocystitis and why does it occur?
The development of this pathology is based on a disruption in the normal outflow of lacrimal fluid, which, in a healthy state, constantly bathes the eyeball, protecting it from drying out and infectious agents. When a mechanical or functional obstruction occurs in the tear's path, it begins to accumulate in its natural reservoir, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth. This process inevitably provokes inflammation of the lacrimal sac, which is accompanied by a gradual thickening of its walls and the accumulation of mucopurulent contents.
How the lacrimal apparatus works
Lacrimal fluid bathes the surface of the eye and, through the lacrimal canaliculi, enters the lacrimal sac, and is then drained through the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. When this system is obstructed, tear drainage becomes difficult, and the fluid begins to stagnate.
Main Causes of Lacrimal Sac Inflammation
The main trigger for the development of this condition is persistent obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, which can be congenital or develop over life due to external factors.
Obstruction of the outflow pathways can also be caused by injuries to the facial bones, eye infections, foreign bodies, or age-related sclerotic changes in surrounding tissues.