dacryocystitis /dak′rē·ōsistī″tis/ , an infection of the lacrimal sac caused by obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. It can be chronic or acute and is congenital in some cases. It is characterized by tearing and discharge from the eye. In the acute phase the sac becomes inflamed and painful. The disorder is nearly always unilateral and usually occurs in infants. It occurs on the left side more commonly than on the right because of the structure of the lacrimal sac. Systemic administration of antibiotics is usual; local topical treatment is seldom effective; rarely a dacryocystorhinostomy may be required. Compare dacryostenosis.
