Dacryocystitis

Excerpt

Dacryocystitis, an inflammatory state of the nasolacrimal sac, is typically caused by an obstruction within the nasolacrimal duct. This leads to the subsequent stagnation of tears in the lacrimal sac. Dacryocystitis can be appreciated clinically when the lacrimal sac inflames and swells at the inferomedial canthus. Understanding the anatomy and flow of tears leads to a better understanding of dacryocystitis and potential multilevel involvement (see Image. Illustration of the Eye).

The flow of tears begins with tear production in the lacrimal gland. They lubricate the eye, are collected into the superior and inferior puncta, and drained into the superior and inferior canaliculi. From there, they flow into the common canaliculus, then through the valve of Rosenmuller into the lacrimal sac. The collected tears then travel down the nasolacrimal duct, passing through the distal valve of Hasner, and ultimately enter the nasal cavity.