dacryokystiittiä

Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac, the small sac located at the inner corner of the eye, near the nose. This condition occurs when the tear drainage system becomes blocked, leading to a buildup of tears and mucus in the lacrimal sac, which can then become infected.

The primary cause of dacryocystitis is obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct, the channel that normally drains tears from the eye into the nasal cavity. This blockage can be congenital, meaning present from birth, or acquired later in life due to factors such as aging, nasal polyps, tumors, or trauma to the face. Infection can then set in, leading to the characteristic symptoms of dacryocystitis.

Symptoms typically include pain, redness, and swelling in the area of the lacrimal sac. A discharge of pus or mucus from the inner corner of the eye is also common, and this discharge may worsen when pressure is applied to the affected area. Patients may also experience excessive tearing (epiphora) and blurred vision.

Diagnosis is usually made based on a physical examination and the patient's symptoms. In some cases, further investigations like probing of the lacrimal system or imaging may be performed to identify the cause and location of the obstruction.

Treatment for dacryocystitis depends on the severity of the infection and whether it is acute or chronic. Acute dacryocystitis is often treated with antibiotics, usually in the form of oral medication, and warm compresses to reduce swelling and pain. If an abscess has formed, it may need to be drained. Chronic cases may require surgical intervention, such as dacryocystorhinostomy, to create a new drainage pathway for the tears.