Warm compresses applied to the inside corner of the eye may help as well. In cases where nothing seems to work, surgery can create a new opening for tears to drain into the nasal cavity. Usually this appears as a painful, tender swelling present at the inside corner of the eye under the skin. There may be redness which can even extend onto the cheek. Tearing and discharge occur since tears have no way to drain beyond the infected sac.
Treatment is by oral and eyedrop antibiotics.
After a severe or recurrent infection, surgery may need to be done to create a new opening for tears to drain into the nasal cavity, preventing further infections. Cluster headache - tearing, nasal congestion usually on side of headache. Return to TOP of page.