Dacryocystitis is an infection or inflammation of the lacrimal sac caused primarily by nasolacrimal duct obstruction, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and discharge. It can be acute, chronic, or congenital, with various causes including bacterial infections and trauma, and is diagnosed through clinical examination and imaging techniques. Treatment options range from antibiotics and warm compresses for acute cases to surgical interventions like dacryocystorhinostomy for chronic conditions, and early management is essential to prevent complications.

1. Dacryocystitis
A Detailed Overview of Lacrimal Sac
Infection

2. Introduction
• Dacryocystitis is an infection or inflammation
of the lacrimal sac, often due to obstruction of
the nasolacrimal duct. It can be acute or
chronic, leading to symptoms like pain,
swelling, and discharge.

3. Anatomy of the Lacrimal System
• - The lacrimal gland produces tears
• - Tears drain through the puncta into the
canaliculi
• - Tears pass into the lacrimal sac and then the
nasolacrimal duct
• - Blockage at any point can lead to
dacryocystitis

4. Causes of Dacryocystitis
• - Nasolacrimal duct obstruction (congenital or
acquired)
• - Bacterial infections (Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus pneumoniae)
• - Trauma or facial fractures
• - Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or tumors
• - Autoimmune conditions (e.g., sarcoidosis)

5. Types of Dacryocystitis
• - **Acute Dacryocystitis**: Sudden onset with
severe symptoms
• - **Chronic Dacryocystitis**: Long-term mild
swelling and recurrent infections
• - **Congenital Dacryocystitis**: Present in
newborns due to duct obstruction

6. Symptoms
• - Pain, redness, and swelling near the inner
corner of the eye
• - Excessive tearing (epiphora)
• - Pus or mucus discharge when pressing on
the lacrimal sac
• - Fever and systemic signs in severe cases

7. Diagnosis
• - **Clinical Examination**: Swelling, redness,
and tenderness
• - **Fluorescein Dye Disappearance Test**:
Checks tear drainage
• - **Dacryocystography (DCG) or
Dacryoscintigraphy**: Imaging of the tear
drainage system
• - **Microbial Culture**: Identifies bacterial
cause

8. Treatment Options
• **Acute Dacryocystitis:**
• - Oral antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate)
• - Warm compresses and pain relief
• - Incision and drainage if an abscess forms
• **Chronic Dacryocystitis:**
• - Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery
• - Balloon dacryoplasty for milder cases
• - Stenting of the nasolacrimal duct

9. Surgical Management
• - **Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)**: Creates a
new drainage pathway to bypass the blocked
duct
• - **Endoscopic vs. External DCR**: Minimally
invasive vs. traditional surgery
• - **Silicone Stenting**: Keeps the new
drainage pathway open

10. Complications
• - Orbital cellulitis (infection spreading to the
eye socket)
• - Abscess formation
• - Lacrimal fistula (abnormal drainage pathway)
• - Recurring infections and vision problems

11. Prevention & Conclusion
• - Early treatment of eye infections and sinus
issues
• - Regular eye hygiene and tear duct massage
in newborns
• - Surgical intervention for recurrent cases
• **Conclusion:** Timely diagnosis and
appropriate treatment prevent complications
and restore proper tear drainage.