Dacryoadenitis
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the tear-producing gland above the outer eye, often from infection or an inflammatory condition.
About dacryoadenitis
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the tear-producing gland above the outer eye, often from infection or an inflammatory condition.
What can cause it?
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the tear gland and may be caused by viral or bacterial infection, autoimmune disease, or less commonly a mass.
Acute painful swelling differs from chronic painless enlargement.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Painful swelling above the outer eyelid
- Redness, tenderness, or tearing
- Fever or difficulty opening the eye
How clinicians find the cause
Eye examination checks vision, eye movement, swelling, and surrounding infection. Blood tests, imaging, or culture may be needed for severe, recurrent, or chronic cases.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Treatment targets the cause and may include antibiotics, antiviral support, or anti-inflammatory and autoimmune therapy.
- 2
An abscess may require drainage.
- 3
Steroid treatment should not begin until infection has been considered.
Supporting recovery
- Do not squeeze the swollen area or use leftover eye medicine.
- Use cool or warm compresses only as recommended and pause contact lenses.
What to expect
Acute infection-related dacryoadenitis often improves when the cause is treated. Chronic, recurrent, or painless lacrimal-gland enlargement may need imaging, biopsy, or specialty follow-up to identify an inflammatory disorder or another cause. Vision and eye movement should remain stable during recovery.
Possible complications
- Abscess or spread of infection into tissues around the eye
- Scarring or reduced tear production with persistent inflammation
- Delayed diagnosis of an autoimmune condition or lacrimal-gland mass when swelling is chronic or recurrent
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Vision change, severe eye pain, pain with eye movement, high fever, confusion, or spreading facial swelling needs emergency evaluation.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Hand hygiene and prompt treatment of eye or sinus infection may reduce some cases.
- Autoimmune disease requires ongoing management.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.