Health, Vision
Inflammation of the lacrimal gland: causes, symptoms, treatment
Inflammation of the lacrimal gland is also called dacryoadenitis. This disease can be caused by both mechanical and toxic irritation of the mucous lacrimal sac and tear ducts. There are acute and chronic forms.
Structure of lacrimal organs
These organs belong to the subordinate apparatus of the eye. They include lacrimal glands and tear ducts. Part of the gland, which is located in orbit, appears in the embryo at the age of eight weeks. However, even after thirty-two weeks of development, after the birth, the tear fluid in the newborn is not yet released, since the iron remains underdeveloped. And only after two months the babies begin to cry. It is interesting that the tear ducts are formed even earlier, on the sixth week of the gestational period.
The lacrimal gland consists of two parts: the orbital and the eyelid. The glabrous part is located in the dentition of the frontal bone on the upper orbital wall of the orbit. The second part of the gland is much smaller than the first. It is located below, under the arch of the conjunctiva. The parts are connected by lead-out tubules. According to the histological structure, the tear gland resembles the parotid. The blood supply comes from the orbital artery, and the innervation is by two of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve, the facial nerve and sympathetic fibers from the cervical plexus. Electronic pulses enter the medulla oblongata, where the center of the teardrop is located.
To separate tears, there is also a separate anatomical apparatus. It begins with a teardrop stream located between the lower eyelid and the eyeball. This "creek" flows into the tear lake, with which the upper and lower lacrimal points touch. Nearby, in the thickness of the frontal bone, is the eponymous bag that communicates with the nasolacrimal canal.
Functions of the lacrimal apparatus
The liquid emitted by the eye is necessary to moisturize the conjunctiva and the cornea. The refractive power of the cornea, its transparency, smoothness and shine depends to some extent on the layer of tear fluid that covers its front surface.
In addition, the left performs a nutritional function, since the cornea has no vessels. Due to the fact that moisture is constantly updated, the eye is protected by foreign objects, dust and particles of dirt.
One of the important features of tears is the expression of emotions. Man cries not only from grief or pain, but also from joy.
Composition of tears
The chemical composition of the tear is similar to blood plasma, but has a large concentration of potassium and chlorine, and organic acids in it is much less. An interesting fact is that depending on the state of the body, the composition of the tears can change, so it can be used to diagnose diseases, along with blood analysis.
In addition to inorganic compounds, the tear contains carbohydrates and proteins. They are covered with fat, which prevents them from lingering on the epidermis. Even in the tear fluid there are enzymes, such as lysozyme, which has an antibacterial effect. And, strange as it may seem, crying brings relief not only because of moral catharsis, but also because tears contain psychotropic substances that suppress anxiety.
During the time that a person spends without sleep, about a milliliter of tears stands out, and when crying this amount increases to thirty milliliters.
Mechanism of lacrimation
Lacrimal fluid is produced in the eponymous gland. Then, on the lead-out tubules, it moves into the conjunctival sac, where it accumulates for a time. Blinking carries a tear to the cornea, wetting it.
The outflow of fluid is carried out through a tear stream (narrow space between the cornea and the lower eyelid), which flows into the lacrimal lake (the inner corner of the eye). From there, through the channel, the secret enters the tear sack and is evacuated through the upper nasal passage.
The basis of normal lacrimation is several factors:
- Sucking function of lacrimal points;
- The work of the circular muscle of the eye, as well as the muscles of Horner, which create a negative pressure in the ducts that drain the tear;
- Presence of folds on the mucosa, which serve as a valve.
Investigation of the lacrimal
The age-old part of the gland can be palpated during the examination, or twist the upper eyelid and examine it visually.
Examination of the function of the gland and the teardrop device begins with a tubular sample. With her help check the suction function of lacrimal points, bag and tubules. And also conduct a nasal test, in order to determine the patency of the nasolacrimal canal. Typically, one study goes into another.
If the lacrimal apparatus is in order, then one drop of a three-percent collargolum, buried in a conjunctiva, is absorbed for five minutes and leaves through the nasolacrimal canal. This confirms the staining of the cotton swab located in the lower nasal passage. In this case, the sample is considered positive.
Passive patency is checked with the help of probing of lacrimal canals. To do this, the Bowman's probe is conducted through the nasolacrimal canal, and then, injecting liquid into the upper and lower lacrimal points, observe its outflow.
Causes of inflammation
In ophthalmology, a part of the inflammation of the lacrimal gland occurs. Causes of pathology can be very different - like common diseases such as mononucleosis, mumps, influenza, angina and other infections, and local contamination or suppuration next to the tear duct. The path of infection is usually hematogenous.
Inflammation of the lacrimal gland can have both acute and chronic course, when light intervals alternate with relapses. A permanent form can arise due to oncological diseases, with tuberculosis or syphilis.
Symptoms
Why not start inflammation of the lacrimal gland? Photos of patients with this pathology show that it is not so easy to ignore these symptoms. And only a person who is indifferent to his health can tolerate the development of complications.
At the outset, inflammation of the lacrimal gland is manifested by pain in the inner corner of the eye. Clearly visible local swelling and redness. The doctor can ask the patient to look at his nose and, lifting the upper eyelid, see a small piece of the gland. In addition to local, there are common signs that are characterized by inflammation of the lacrimal gland. Symptoms are similar to other infectious diseases: fever, headache, nausea, a feeling of fatigue, an increase in the lymph nodes of the head and neck.
Patients can complain about doubling in the eyes, turbidity of the picture or problems with opening the upper eyelid. With a strong reaction, the entire half of the face swells, with the affected eye. If you leave the symptoms unattended, then, in the end, the situation can worsen in phlegmon or abscess.
Inflammation of the lacrimal gland in a child proceeds in the same way as in an adult. The only difference is that the probability of spreading the infection is higher than that of adults. Therefore, children are treated in a hospital.
Local treatment
On average, the entire process from the onset of inflammation to its resolution takes about two weeks, but if you contact a doctor in time, you can significantly shorten this time. An experienced specialist will quickly determine the inflammation of the lacrimal gland. Treatment, as a rule, appoint a complex. After all, as has already been indicated in the causes of the disease, most often it is only the effect of another infection.
Therapy is started with antibiotics in the form of drops or ointments, for example "Ciprofloxacin", "Moxifloxacin" or tetracycline solution. You can attach glucocorticoids, also in the form of drops. They relieve inflammation of the lacrimal gland. After the acute period has passed, the patient is sent to the physiotherapy room for warming up with ultraviolet light.
If an abscess has formed on the site of inflammation, it is opened and drained through the nasolacrimal canal.
General treatment
Usually these measures are enough to cure inflammation of the lacrimal gland. Symptoms, treatment and prevention of this disease do not constitute significant difficulties for the ophthalmologist. The main thing is that the patient in time turned for help.
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