Tear Gland Inflammation (Dacryoadenitis) Treatment in Downtown Manhattan, New York

What Is Tear Gland Inflammation?

Tear gland inflammation, also known as dacryoadenitis, is an inflammation of the lacrimal gland. The lacrimal gland is positioned above the outer corner of each eye and is responsible for keeping the eyes wet and lubricated through tears. Tears are important for keeping the eyes healthy and functioning properly.

If you have a swollen tear duct, it may be painful to move your affected eye. Your tear gland may also generate excess tears, making your eyes moist. This condition normally doesn’t impair your vision, but if the swelling is significant enough to cause pressure on your eye,  it can affect your ability to see. The prognosis is good, however, if you get effective dacryoadenitis treatment in time.

The optometrists at Eye Physicians in NYC are known for their experience and 24/7 on-call support. They provide the best tear gland inflammation treatment as well as treatment for other eye conditions such as:

• Pink eye
• Droopy eyelid
• Allergies
• Dry eyes
• Blurry vision and headaches

How Do Tear Glands Work?

The lacrimal apparatus is the anatomical mechanism that produces, distributes and drains tears. The lacrimal apparatus consists of multiple components, including:

• Lacrimal glands. These glands produce the watery component of tears, which consists of water, electrolytes and proteins.

• Accessory tear glands. These are smaller accessory tear glands in the conjunctiva. These glands produce additional components of tears, like mucous and oil.
• Tear film. The tears produced by the lacrimal apparatus form a thin coating on the eye’s surface. This comprises three layers; a mucous layer that helps the tears attach to the eye, a watery layer produced by the lacrimal glands, and an oily coating that prevents evaporation and keeps the surface smooth.
• Blinking mechanism. The act of blinking helps spread tears across the surface of the eye. The eyelids spread tears uniformly, keeping the cornea and conjunctiva moist and protected.
• Tear drainage system. This includes the puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct, which direct tears away from the eye and into the nasal cavity.

Your Manhattan optometrist relies on advanced diagnostic tools and keeps up with the newest breakthroughs in eye care, ensuring that you receive the greatest degree of treatment. If you’re searching for the best optometrist near me in New York City, then your search is over.

What Are the Symptoms of Dacryoadenitis?

Inflammation of the lacrimal gland can cause a variety of signs and symptoms unique to everyone. Common symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Pain or tenderness
• Redness
• Watery eyes
• Difficulty moving your eyes
• Blurry vision
• Swollen lymph nodes near your ear

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be accompanied by generalized signs of infection if the inflammation is caused by an infectious agent. If dacryoadenitis isn’t treated promptly or the underlying cause is not addressed correctly, complications can develop and may include:

• Abscess formation with increasing pain and swelling
• The possibility of persistent inflammation and repeated episodes
• Tear duct obstruction that could cause chronic tearing
• Vision changes in severe situations
• Infection spreading to other parts of your face and body

Analyzing symptoms properly is vital for dacryoadenitis treatment. Treatment that’s tailored to specific symptoms increases its efficacy.

What Can Cause Dacryoadenitis?

Dacryoadenitis can be caused by a variety of reasons, which are broadly classified into two main factors:

1. Infectious causes.This includes bacterial infections such as staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus and other bacteria that infects the tear gland. Viral infections such as mumps and influenza also can lead to the need for dacryoadenitis treatment.
2. Non-infectious causes.This covers autoimmune diseases including Sjögren’s syndrome and sarcoidosis. Obstructions like blocked tear duct and swollen tear duct can lead to stagnation and inflammation. Tear gland inflammation can also be caused by an injury to the eye or its surrounding area. Sometimes allergic reactions affecting the eyes can lead to inflammation.

Some of these causes are acute, while others are chronic. Obstruction can be both acute and chronic, as persistent obstructions in the tear ducts can cause chronic symptoms. Many risk factors can lead to the onset of tear gland inflammation as well, and may include:

• Age
• Pre-existing health conditions
• Iatrogenic causes
• Immunocompromised state
• Environmental conditions
• Poor hygiene

Read more: Retinal Laser Photocoagulation

What Are My Tear Gland Inflammation Treatment Options?

Dacryoadenitis treatment is determined by the underlying causes and symptoms as well as a complete eye examination.  This includes measuring redness, edema and tear production, as well as performing extra procedures like imaging or duct irrigation to pinpoint the source and duration of the problem. A general treatment approach to relieve pain may include:

• Antibiotics if the inflammation is the result of a bacterial infection
• Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate pain and discomfort
• Artificial tears to lubricate and ease symptoms
• Corticosteroid eye drops for extreme cases of inflammation, particularly in autoimmune dacryoadenitis
• Surgery to remove glandular stones or address anatomical abnormalities causing dacryoadenitis blockage
• Treating underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases and diabetes
• Immunosuppressive medications for chronic dacryoadenitis caused by autoimmune diseases
• Antihistamines and allergen avoidance for allergy-related dacryoadenitis

Monitoring the disease and changing medication as needed are the foundations of successful tear gland inflammation treatment. Your NYC optometrist may recommend that you apply a warm compress to the affected eye, as well as how frequently, and for how long, you should use one. While complete prevention of dacryoadenitis is not assured, practicing effective eye hygiene is vital and includes:

• Washing your hands often and thoroughly
• Avoiding touching your eyes, especially if you haven’t had the opportunity to wash your hands
• Using clean makeup remover wipes and cloths
• Changing your contacts as directed

In New York City, contact Eye Physicians for prompt, reliable and accurate care for your eyes. Avoid further complications and make an appointment at the first signs of tear gland inflammation symptoms.

Page Updated on Oct 14, 2024 by Dr. William Hogue, OD (Optometrist) of Eye Physicians

Eye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814

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