Synonyms in a broader sense
Dacryocystitis, canaliculitis, inflammation of the lacrimal gland.
Introduction
The lacrimal ducts consist of a tear-producing and tear-removing part. The actual tear gland, which is located in the upper outer corner of the eye and produces the main component of the tear fluid, is supported by the accessory tear glands. Both types of glands produce different components of the tear film (see below). If the tears were distributed over the eye by the blink of the eyelid, they flow through the tear dots in the inner corner of the eye into the lacrimal sac and from there into the lower nasal concha. At all these different stations, the tear ducts can become diseased, i.e. inflamed, blocked or even form tumors, and require appropriate measures.
Diseases of the lacrimal duct in adults
It should be mentioned in advance that the ending “-itis” means inflammation (canalicutilis = inflammation of the tubules). In diseases of the lacrimal ducts in adults, the lacrimal duct and the lacrimal sac are most frequently affected by occlusion or inflammation.
Inflammation of the lacrimal ducts (canaliculitis)
Cause Inflammation of the lacrimal ducts is caused by symptomsThe lacrimal points are strongly reddened. Very hard clumps form. TherapyThe clumps in an inflammation and the lacrimal tubules are removed by scraping.
- Bacteria
- Viruses or
- Fungal infections
Inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis)
This inflammation can occur acutely or persist chronically. The chronic form is often associated with less pain and develops slowly, while the acute form of dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac) occurs suddenly. CauseThis inflammation is often caused by obstructed drainage and colonization with bacteria.
SymptomsComplaintsThe area around the lacrimal sac, i.e. the inner corner of the eye, swells and becomes red (reddened eye). This swelling is associated with pain and is caused by the accumulation of pus caused by bacteria. The pus can be pushed out of the lacrimal sac.
It often happens that the lacrimal duct remains closed even after the inflammation has subsided. TherapyAntibiotics are administered for therapy and locally treated with disinfecting compresses. If the lacrimal sac swells too much, it may even have to be slit open. In this way the pus is drained.
