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. |
