The lacrimal sac helps drain excess tears from the eye. The sac starts near the inner corner of the eye and runs along the side of the nose. Tears move through tear ducts into this sac. The tears are then passed out into the nasal passages.
Dacryocystitis is swelling and irritation of this sac.
Dacryocystitis is caused by a blocked tear duct. Tears become trapped in the sac and form a pool. Bacteria can then begin to grow in the tear pool and create an infection. Both the trapped tears and infection will cause swelling and irritation.
Dacryocystitis is most common in infants with blocked tear ducts. Other factors that may increase your chance of dacryocystitis include:
Dacryocystitis may cause:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Your eye will be examined. The diagnosis can be made by appearance. Fluid samples may be taken from the eye or sac. The fluid will be examined for bacteria. This test will help determine which antibiotic may work best.
For a tear duct blockage without signs of infection, the doctor may advise:
Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection caused by bacteria. They usually given orally. Severe infections may need IV antibiotics.
The cause of the tear duct blockage may need to be investigated. This may require additional procedures or treatment such as:
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Kid's Health—Nemours Foundation
Health Canada
Healthy Alberta
Dacryocystitis. University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center website. http://www.umkelloggeye.org/health-library/tw9200. Updated May 12, 2017. Accessed December 14, 2017.
Dacryocystitis and canaliculitis. Patient UK website. Available at: http://patient.info/doctor/dacryocystitis-and-canaliculitis. Updated January 14, 2015. Accessed December 14, 2017.
Nasolacrimal duct obstruction. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113767/Nasolacrimal-duct-obstruction. Updated May 31, 2017. Accessed December 14, 2017.
Last reviewed December 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.