dacrocystitis

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • an infection of the nasolacrimal sac
    • often caused by nasolacrimal obstruction
    • commonly associated with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas species
  • clinical features
    • pain, redness and swelling over the inner aspect of the lower eyelid and epiphora
    • digital pressure over the lacrimal sac may extrude pus through the punctum
  • treatment
    • warm compresses, nasal decongestants
    • systemic and topic antibiotics
    • if chronic, obtain cultures by aspiration
    • dacryocystorhinostomy may be considered once the infection has resolved