Question
What causes pediatric dacryocystitis?
Answer
There is a canal system between the outer corner of the eye and the nasal cavity, known as the lacrimal duct. This duct extends from the upper to the lower part and is composed of the lacrimal puncta, lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal duct, lacrimal sac, and nasal lacrimal duct. Its function is to drain tears. Normally, adults secrete 0.5 to 1.0 milliliters of tears every 16 hours. These tears, after moistening the eyeball and some evaporation, are drained into the nasal cavity through the lacrimal duct. The site of lacrimal duct obstruction can be anywhere along the duct, including the lacrimal puncta, lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasal lacrimal duct.