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Dacryocystitis is infection of the lacrimal sac.
The lacrimal sac is a small chamber into which tears drain. The usual cause of dacryocystitis is a blockage of the nasolacrimal duct, which leads from the lacrimal sac into the nose. Dacryocystitis may occur suddenly (acute) or be longstanding (chronic). In acute infection, the area around the lacrimal sac is painful, red, and swollen. The eye may become red and watery and may ooze pus. Slight pressure applied to the lacrimal sac may push pus through the lacrimal punctum, the opening at the inner corner of the eye, near the nose.
Often the infection is mild. Sometimes, the infection is severe and can cause fever. Sometimes an abscess may form, which can rupture through the skin, creating a passage for drainage.
An acute infection is usually treated with an antibiotic taken by mouth. If a fever is present or if the infection is severe, antibiotics given by vein may be required. Applying warm compresses to the area several times a day also helps. If an abscess develops, minor surgery may be done to open and drain it. For chronic infections, especially if recurrent, more extensive surgery to bypass the blocked nasolacrimal duct may be needed.
Last full review/revision November 2007 by James Garrity, MD
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