Lid/Orbit
Dacryocystitis
Also known as: lacrimal sac infection, medial canthal swelling, lacrimal sac abscess, NLD obstruction infection, tearing with discharge, epiphora infection, lacrimal sac inflammation, watery eye with discharge
Clinical decision support only
OptoGuide™ supports professional judgement and does not diagnose or replace clinician responsibility.
Overview
Infection of the lacrimal sac, almost always secondary to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Presents as acute or chronic disease. Acute: tender, red, fluctuant swelling at the medial canthus below the medial palpebral ligament. Chronic: epiphora with mucopurulent reflux on sac compression. Requires systemic antibiotics and ultimately dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) to restore drainage.
What OptoGuide™ covers for dacryocystitis
- Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting
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