H04.519

Clinical Causes: Chronic inflammation of the lacrimal sac or duct (dacryocystitis) Weakness or dysfunction of the tear drainage system Infections causing mineral deposits to form Blocked or narrowed tear ducts due to scarring or congenital abnormalities Accumulation of cellular debris and mucus that calcifies over time Trauma or injury to the eye or surrounding structures

Key Symptoms: Persistent tearing or watery eyes Recurrent eye infections Discomfort or a feeling of pressure around the inner corner of the eye Swelling or tenderness near the inner eye Pus or discharge from the eye, especially during infection Reduced or abnormal tear drainage

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical examination and imaging tests. An eye care professional may perform a thorough inspection of the eye and surrounding structures, look for signs of swelling or discharge, and check tear drainage function. Imaging techniques such as dacryocystography or ultrasound may be used to visualize the presence of stones within the lacrimal passages. In some cases, a dye test or endoscopy might be employed to assess the blockage more precisely.

Treatment Protocols: Treatment options aim to remove the dacryolith and restore normal tear drainage. These may include: - **Conservative measures:** Warm compresses and gentle massage to facilitate drainage - **Medical management:** Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications if infection or inflammation is present - **Surgical intervention:** - Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR): Creating a new drainage pathway between the lacrimal sac and the nasal cavity - Endoscopic removal of the stone - Lacrimal duct probing or irrigation to dislodge or extract the stone Follow-up care is essential to monitor healing and prevent recurrence. Early intervention can reduce the risk of complications and improve eye comfort.