Chronic Inflammation of the Lachrymal Sac.

WHEN the mucous lining of the nasal duct gets thickened and obstructed, the patient complains of great weakness of the eye, which is constantly weeping, the nostril on the same side having a corresponding dryness. The tears not passing down through the obstructed duct, collect in the lachrymal sac, and form a small tumor by the side of the nose. By pressing the finger upon this, the tears may be squeezed out through the upward passage, and glairy mucus along with them. There is generally tenderness of the sac, and sometimes redness of the skin. There is commonly inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids, etc.

Treatment. The acute inflammation of the sac must be treated by purgatives and cold washes.
Chronic inflammation of the sac requires a special attention to the general health. The diet should be carefully regulated, and the alkaline sponge bath used every day, with brisk rubbing after it. When the sac gets very full, the patient should try gently to force the contents down in~ the nose by pressing upon the upper side of the tumor and be may promote the same object by strongly drawing in his breath often with his mouth and nostrils both tightly shut. The so called citrine ointment, full strength, may be applied to the, eyelids at bed time, and a little of prescription (211) may be dropped once during the day into the inner comer of the eye.