Lacrimal Gland And Drainage Problems
Introduction:
The lacrimal glands produce the tear fluid that lubricates the eye lids so they can blink with a minimum of resistance/friction keeping the cornea from drying out. The excess tear fluid is collected in a system of ducts that end up in the nasolacrimal duct that drains into the inside of the nose.
It is common in babies that the drainage channels are blocked,
in which case a condition, called dacryostenosis,
is diagnosed.
Signs and symptoms:
If the drainage channels are blocked, the tears drip over the cheek and the child gets a skin rash from the drying out of the skin. Sometimes this rash draws as much attention as the drainage problem.
When the drainage area gets blocked and infected, a condition called dacryocystitis can develop.
Diagnostic tests:
Usually the diagnosis is made by careful history taking, observation and examination. In cases of infection a swab for laboratory testing may be taken to determine the infectious agent.
Treatment:
The eye specialist can reopen this blocked drainage channel with a special probe.
With dacryocystitis often the specialist uses a combination of probing to overcome a blockage and subsequent treatment of the infection with antibiotics. With chronic recurrent cases the specialist may have to do a small microsurgical procedure to reestablish another drainage mechanism.
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