---
title: "Dacryocystitis (tear sac infection) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What dacryocystitis is, why a painful swelling between the eye and nose needs treatment, and how it links to blocked tear ducts. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/dacryocystitis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Dacryocystitis (tear sac infection)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Dacryocystitis is infection of the tear sac, usually where a blocked tear duct has allowed bacteria to build up. It causes a painful, red swelling between the inner corner of the eye and the nose, often with sticky discharge. It needs prompt antibiotics and sometimes drainage or surgery.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The tear sac sits at the inner corner of the eye and drains tears into the nose. If the duct below is blocked, stagnant tears can become infected, causing dacryocystitis.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms usually develop over hours to days.

- Painful red swelling at the inner corner of the eye
- Sticky or pus-like discharge
- Watering and tenderness when pressing the area
- Sometimes fever and feeling unwell

## Causes

Most cases follow a blocked tear duct in adults or children. Chronic watering, previous infection, or sinus problems increase risk. Recurrent episodes may need surgery to open the duct.

## Treatment

Antibiotics are needed promptly, and warm compresses may help. An abscess may need drainage. After infection settles, surgery to open the blocked duct is often recommended to prevent recurrence.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### What causes a painful lump by the side of the nose near the eye?

A common cause is dacryocystitis, infection of the tear sac, often linked to a blocked tear duct. It needs prompt antibiotic treatment.

### Is dacryocystitis serious?

It can become serious if untreated, as infection may spread. Prompt antibiotics and assessment are important, especially with fever or worsening swelling.

### Will I need surgery for dacryocystitis?

Acute infection is treated with antibiotics first. If a blocked tear duct caused it, surgery to restore drainage is often advised after the infection clears to prevent recurrence.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Dacryocystitis (acute) - College of Optometrists](https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/dacryocystitis_acute)