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Disorders of the lacrimal system

Describes a category of diseases where problems with the production and drainage of tears can lead to symptoms such as dryness or excessive tearing.

lacrimal apparatus disorder · disease of lacrimal apparatus · disease or disorder of lacrimal apparatus · disorder of lacrimal apparatus · disorder of lacrimal system · lacrimal apparatus disease · lacrimal apparatus disease or disorder · lacrimal system disease · lacrimal system disorder

MONDO:0001854Public QA completeSource-bound · 5

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · e8ad651bbe2a

Disease category
This is a category of diseases encompassing various problems occurring in the lacrimal apparatus, including the lacrimal glands and tear ducts.
Core mechanism
Causes can vary, including aging, inflammation, infection, allergy, tear duct obstruction, trauma, medication, or systemic diseases.
Main causes · Related factors
Tears wash and keep the eyes moist, are produced by the lacrimal glands, and are transported to the eye surface via the tear ducts.
Representative patterns
Typical symptoms may include dry eyes, foreign body sensation, stinging, redness, excessive tearing, discharge, or swelling and pain at the inner corner of the eye.
Individual differences
Risks and patterns may vary depending on age, dry or windy environments, smoke exposure, contact lenses, eyelid diseases, surgery or trauma, and medications being taken.
Diagnosis
Symptoms may be temporary or recurrent, and the course of the condition can vary greatly depending on the cause or whether there is a combination of tear deficiency and drainage impairment.
Management
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and examinations of the ocular surface, eyelids, and tear ducts, and evaluates tear production and drainage if necessary.
Treatment/Research Status
It is difficult to conclude the cause and severity based solely on tear volume or a single test result, and clinical symptoms may not always match examination findings.
Evidence Reading
Management combines eye surface protection, avoidance of irritants, eyelid care, control of underlying diseases, and treatments to resolve tear duct obstruction, tailored to the cause and degree of discomfort.
Key Precautions
Treatment varies depending on the cause, with various options ranging from artificial tears or anti-inflammatory therapy to procedures and surgery.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

This is a category of diseases encompassing various problems occurring in the lacrimal apparatus, including the lacrimal glands and tear ducts.

Typical symptoms may include dry eyes, foreign body sensation, stinging, redness, excessive tearing, discharge, or swelling and pain at the inner corner of the eye.

How the Disease Works

Causes can vary, including aging, inflammation, infection, allergy, tear duct obstruction, trauma, medication, or systemic diseases.

Tears wash and keep the eyes moist, are produced by the lacrimal glands, and are transported to the eye surface via the tear ducts.

Patterns Vary by Person

Risks and patterns may vary depending on age, dry or windy environments, smoke exposure, contact lenses, eyelid diseases, surgery or trauma, and medications being taken.

Broad framework of diagnosis and management

Symptoms may be temporary or recurrent, and the course of the condition can vary greatly depending on the cause or whether there is a combination of tear deficiency and drainage impairment.

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and examinations of the ocular surface, eyelids, and tear ducts, and evaluates tear production and drainage if necessary.

Current stage of treatment

It is difficult to conclude the cause and severity based solely on tear volume or a single test result, and clinical symptoms may not always match examination findings.

Management combines eye surface protection, avoidance of irritants, eyelid care, control of underlying diseases, and treatments to resolve tear duct obstruction, tailored to the cause and degree of discomfort.

Treatment varies depending on the cause, with various options ranging from artificial tears or anti-inflammatory therapy to procedures and surgery.

How to read clinical trials

The registered multimodal dry eye screening study is an observational study, and treatment effectiveness or adherence to standard care cannot be determined solely by study registration.

Points to verify in clinical encounters

During medical consultation, it is advisable to report the onset and fluctuation of symptoms, whether they are unilateral or bilateral, pain, changes in vision, discharge, surgery, trauma, contact lens use, current medications, and systemic diseases.

Medical Guide

This material is for educational purposes and is not intended as guidance for individual diagnosis or treatment.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.