European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct from whatever source results in stasis with the
accumulation of tears, desquamated cells, and mucoid secretions superior to the obstruction in
a pathologically closed lacrimal drainage system. This creates a fertile environment for
secondary bacterial infection and can result in dacryocystitis which is a constant threat to the
cornea and orbital soft tissue. The study included 50 patients who attended ophthalmology
out-patients and in-patients departments at. The patients were randomly selected and studied
from the clinical and bacteriological point of view. Patients were examined with special
reference to the lacrimal apparatus. Present study shows majority 18 cases (36%) were
suffering from their symptoms mainly epiphora between 6 months-1year, followed by 3-6
months (34%) and 16% had their symptoms between 1-2 years. 6% of the cases had
symptoms since 1-3 months, > 2-5yrs was the duration of the disease in 6% cases. This shows
the chronic nature of the disease which progresses to various stages unless treatment is
instituted.

The studies have shown that bacterial pathogens differ in chronic and acute dacryocystitis.
Acute dacryocystitis is caused by gram negative rods. In chronic dacryocystitis mixed flora is
isolated. The percentage of culture positive was found to be higher in chronic dacryocystitis
with single or mixed growth. All patients included in the study underwent basic evaluation as
mentioned in the standard proforma after obtaining written informed consent. Routine
ophthalmic examination was conducted by the investigator, including slit lamp examination,
paying special attention to the presence of discharge and epiphora. In the present study
bacterial growth was seen in 42 (84%) cases. Gram positive organisms were isolated in 27
(54%) cases and Gram negative organism in 13 (26%) cases. 2 (4%) cases showed mixed
growth pattern. Staph Aureus and CONS accounted for 22% each and Streptococcus 10%
cases. Among Gram negative organisms Klebsiella was isolated in 10% cases. Citrobacter
and Pseudomonas were isolated in 6%.