Dacryocystitis (Infected Tear Duct)

 

A lacrimal sac (tear sac) infection in the innermost part of your eye is known as dacryocystitis. As tears leave your eyes, they pass through this sac. Your eyes benefit from tears by staying hydrated, clean, and germ-free. Lacrimal glands under your top eyelids create tears, which are then carried through tiny slits to the upper portion of your eye. The tears smear across your eyes with each blink. The tears leave your eyes through tiny openings at the outer edges of your lower and upper eyelids, known as puncta, to make way for fresh ones.

 

Introduction to Dacryocystitis:

 

The medical term for the infection and inflammation within the tear sac is dacryocystitis. The sac, which connects to the tear duct (nasolacrimal duct), is also known as the lacrimal sac. Each of these is a component of your tear mechanism. Tears will travel from your pupils into the duct and then onto the nasal cavities if the system functions as it should. Dacryocystitis develops as a result of the route being closed. The nasolacrimal duct, the sac, or the channels that teardrops use to travel might all have blockages. The liquid containing the tears may become stagnant and contaminated if it is unable to move.

Acute and chronic dacryocystitis are the two variations. The main difference is usually one of timing. Acute dacryocystitis develops abruptly and goes away fast, usually in less than three months. The duration of chronic dacryocystitis is considerable. Another distinction is that systemic (whole-body) and autoimmunity are more frequently associated with persistent dacryocystitis. These include lupus (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus), sarcoidosis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Severe conjunctivitis (pink eye) can coexist with chronic dacryocystitis.

 

Causes and Symptoms:

 

Throughout infancy until old age, dacryocystitis may strike. Some of the reasons are:

• Trauma or harm. A facial injury may result in bone loss or scarring close to the drainage system, which will impair the normal passage of tears through the ducts. A blockage can be brought on by even small debris or skin cell fragments that become trapped in the duct.
• Anywhere along the tear drainage system, including the nose, might develop tumors.
• Drops for the eyes Rarely, prolonged use of specific medications, such as glaucoma eye drops, might result in dacryocystitis.
• Cancer therapies. Dacryocystitis is a potential side effect of cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Born with a blockage, Many newborns have infected tear ducts at birth. There could be a duct anomaly or a lack of development in the tear drainage system. The nasolacrimal duct, an aperture that empties into the nose, frequently has a thin tissue membrane covering it.
• Alterations caused by aging, The puncta, or tiny apertures that drain tears, may become clogged as you age because they may become narrower.
• Irritation or infection, Your tear ducts may get infected if you have an ongoing eye, nose, or tear drainage system infection or irritation

 

The following are typical symptoms of dacryocystitis:

• Lower eyelid edoema, redness, and pain near the inner corner of the eye
• A lot of tears
• Discharge or pus from the eye
• Fever
• Chronic (permanent) tear duct obstruction symptoms are milder. There is typically little to no pain, redness, or swelling, despite the possibility of tearing and possible pus or discharge.

 

Homeopathic Treatment for Dacryocystitis:

 

When someone has dacryocystitis, homeopathic remedies can be quite helpful. These drugs aid in controlling the disease’s signs and symptoms, including eye-watering and excessive tears, as well as redness, swelling, pain, and pus or mucus discharge. In each of these circumstances, a homeopathic remedy is chosen based on how the symptoms present themselves.

• Early phases of Dacryocystitis are recommended for pulsatilla. Redness and swelling at the edge of the eyelids are signs that someone needs it. The inner angle of the eye experiences mucus or pus discharge as a result. The eyelashes may stick up in the morning as a result of this discharge. They could also experience stinging, shooting, or tearing agony.
• For situations with edema, particularly in the right-sided lachrymal sac, Silicea is strongly advised. When necessary, a little lump will appear at the corner of the eye, and the skin around it will be irritated and uncomfortable to touch. The bulging sac hurts kind of like a throbbing sensation.
• When pus has formed, Hepar Sulf performs well. When they require it, people’s sensitivity to touching the inflamed area in the inner corner of the eyelid is extremely high. It is also accompanied by throbbing pain. The part that is inflamed is also susceptible to the cold. It also provides assistance when the eyes are moist. Where it is needed, it is consistent.
• When the tear sac is just somewhat inflamed, the herb Apis Mellifica is a helpful treatment. First, when necessary, there is a stinging sensation in the inner angle of the eye. Second, there is throbbing pain and swelling here. The subsequent sensation of stinging may also exist. On occasion, itching is felt.
• Graphites is a very effective medication for treating dacryocystitis. Additionally, it is red and swollen. There is also pain there. The discomfort is primarily in the form of stitches. A burning feeling is occasionally also experienced. Itching can happen occasionally. The eyes then frequently start to moisten. Normally, the outdoors makes things worse.
• Merc Sol is helpful in controlling excessive tear production. The majority of the time, this is worse in the evening. This has caused swelling on the eyelid. Lid redness is another observation. Pain may be passive or cutting in character. The lid also hurts to touch, even slightly. Where it is needed, it is thin.
• People with dacryocystitis and edema benefit from calerea carb. Sometimes they may experience burning and shivering. The eyelids may also experience cutting pain. They can experience eyelid soreness and watering during the day.
• When the eyelid is red and sore, that is a sign of natrum mur. There is mucous discharge associated with this. In addition to this, eye watering is possible, especially outside.