This means a fistulous opening at the inner corner of the eye, communicating with the lacrymal sac. It begins with more or less obstruction of the nasal duct, which conveys the tears from the eye to the nose; this obstruction often depends on thickening of the mucous membrane lining the canal. The consequence of this obstruction is that the tears run over the cheek, and that some of the tears accumulate in the sac, forming a small tumour, called mucocele. When this swelling is pressed upon, tears and mucus can be squeezed upwards into the eye, or, if the obstruction in the duct is only partial, downwards into the nose. The mucocele is seated below the inner angle of the eye, and alternately disappears and re-appears. The accumulation of mucus and tears in the sac is followed by inflammation and suppuration; an abscess is formed, which bursts externally, and leaves a fistulous opening through which the tears escape from the sac on to the cheek.

Treatment

The medicine most likely to be beneficial in this disease is Petroleum. One drop of the first dilution night and morning.

A solution * of Merc. cor. should be injected into the sinus twice a-day, the matter having been previously squeezed out.

* See Appendix.