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Related Experiment Videos

Lacrimal sac calculi.

S Herzig, J J Hurwitz

    Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Journal Canadien D'Ophtalmologie
    |January 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Dacryoliths, or hardened tear stones, are primarily composed of calcium. Their formation is linked to chronic tear duct obstruction and inflammation, not abnormal tear electrolyte levels.

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    Area of Science:

    • Ophthalmology
    • Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Dacryoliths are calcified masses within the lacrimal sac.
    • Their exact etiology, particularly the role of tear composition, remains incompletely understood.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the electrolyte composition of dacryoliths.
    • To compare tear electrolyte concentrations between patients with and without dacryoliths.
    • To determine if abnormal tear composition contributes to dacryolith formation.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of dacryolith samples for chemical composition (calcium, ammonium).
    • Biochemical analysis of tear samples from patients with dacryoliths and healthy controls.
    • Measurement of tear calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, tear-to-serum calcium ratios, and calcium-phosphate products.

    Main Results:

    • Most analyzed dacryoliths consisted mainly of calcium; one contained ammonium, potentially linked to bacterial presence.
    • No significant differences were found in tear calcium, phosphorus, uric acid concentrations, or calcium-phosphate products between patients with dacryoliths and controls.
    • Preoperative dacryocystograms revealed filling defects or displacement of the lacrimal sac in patients with dacryoliths.

    Conclusions:

    • Dacryolith formation is not caused by abnormal tear electrolyte concentrations.
    • Chronic obstruction and inflammation of the lacrimal sac lead to electrolyte buildup, primarily calcium, resulting in dacryoliths.

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