Treatment of Chronic Dacryocystitis in Adults (≥18 Years)

Chronic dacryocystitis in adults presents a distinct clinical picture that informs the choice of first-line management. This protocol outlines the recommended approach for adult patients aged 18 years and older.

Clinical scenario: Adult patient (≥18 years) with chronic dacryocystitis, typically presenting with lacrimal sac swelling and suspicion of obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system.

First-Line Approach

The recommended first-line strategy for this population is conservative management, which includes lacrimal sac massage as one component of the approach. The complete regimen — including all techniques, the criteria for continuation, and when to escalate beyond conservative care — is set out in the structured protocol below.

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References

DOI: 10.1007/s11908-012-0238-8

Generally, in adults, it has been proposed that patients with lacrimal sac swelling and suspicion of obstruction of the lacrimal drainage system associated with tear stones should be treated conservatively; using lacrimal sac massage and lacrimal irrigation until symptoms improve, reserving surgery for cases refractory to these techniques.

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