DACRYOCYSTITIS

inflammation and infection of the lachrymal sac. Tears leave the eye through small openings in the inner corner of the eye and flow into the lachrymal, or tear, sac, from which they drain through a ductthe nasolachrymal ductinto the nasal cavity. Thus infection can reach the lachrymal sac from the nose by way of the nasolachrymal duct. Inflammation of the sac causes a painful swelling at the inner corner of the eye. Chronic inflammation of the sac may result from any obstruction of the duct that prevents the passage of tears.