Chronic Dacryocystitis — A Clinico-Demographic Study a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:  Chronic dacryocystitis is an inflammation and infection of lacrimal sac. It is a common condition presenting with watering from the eye and a  leading cause of  ocular discomfort in Bangladesh. Usually, there is a block at the lower end of the nasolacrimal duct where it opens into the inferior meatus. It has higher incidence among females & lower socioeconomic status. Out of many etiological factors of chronic dacryocystitis, poor hygiene and allergy have a major contribution to the disease development. Objectives: To find out the epidemiological trends such as age and gender distribution, effect of living conditions and occupation etc. on the occurrence of chronic dacryocystitis. Methods and Materials: This prospective study was carried out from December 2022 to November 2023 at Ophthalmolgy Department, Sher-E-Bangla Medical College & Hospital, Barishal. Total 78 cases of clinically diagnosed chronic dacryocystitis were taken and, clinical analysis of the cases regarding age, sex, presenting symptom, nature of discharge was done. Sac patency test was done in all the cases. DCR was done as treatment. Results: Maximum number of cases of chronic Dacryocystitis belongs to the seventh decade of life. Of the total 78 cases operated, 38 (48.71%) were in the age group of 61 to 70 years followed by 51 to 60 years. The condition was twice as common in females as in males. Majority 40 (51.28%) of patients had been suffering for 3 to 4 years. Epiphora was present in all the 78(100%) cases, followed by secondary conjunctival inflammation 19 (24.35%) mucopurulent discharge 16 (20.51%). 64(82.05%) were from the lower class. Conclusion: Chronic dacryocystitis is a common cause of ocular discomfort in our region where majority of population has low socio-economic status, poor health awareness and ocular hygiene, and seeks treatment at a late stage of the disease with inadequate compliance. The study confirms female preponderance of disease, occurring mostly in the seventh decade of life. A lapse of 3-4 years before seeking treatment underlines the importance for imparting proper health education to the people.