Lacrimal system in general has to do with tear system and it is made out of two components. The gland that produces tears (lacrimal gland) and the system that lets the tears flow through the nose.
Lacrimal gland: In this gland which produces tears with tumors and trauma a lot of diseases like the dispositioning of the gland in the eye socket (prolapsus). As a result of the diseases in this gland there might be loss of tears or tear quality.
Lacrimal duct diseases: After our tears are produced in the lacrimal gland, it waters our eyes and flows through our noses with the lacrimal duct without our notice. Lacrimal duct contains various types of small canals and a lacrimal sac which draws water. There can be many diseases on these canals and sac. Infections, canal obstructions and injuries related to trauma might occur. Lacrimal duct may also be inherently obstructed in some children and this may cause constant watery eyes and burring.
What kind of symptoms are seen?
- If the lacrimal sac is infected, in the inner side of the ye there might be swelling, reddening, fever and sensitivity.
- If there is an obstruction of any level, watering of eyes and burring is expected.
- On some children, the duct might be obstructed inherently and there is a constant watering and burring.
How is it diagnosed?
For the most part eye examination is efficient. But on problems regarding the lacrimal sac MR or tomography might be needed. Sometimes additional tests like dakriografy /dakriosintigrafy can be needed too.
Treatment
On children lacrimal duct obstruction can be treated with medication and massages. If there is no progress, a method called probing can be used to open the lacrimal duct. On adults the duct can be opened with an operation called dacryocystorhinostomy (DSR).