Increased Age Heightens Risk of Acute Dacryocystitis in Women

Acute dacryocystitis (AD), a condition characterized by the inflammation of the tear sac, has been identified as increasingly prevalent among older women, particularly those with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. According to a study conducted by Dr. Amber Demeuleneere from the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospitals Leuven, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology on June 18, 2025, the risk of developing AD escalates significantly with age. The research indicates that for every five-year increase in age, the likelihood of AD rises by 15.8% overall, and by 22.1% in those with a blocked tear duct. This retrospective observational study analyzed 106 patients diagnosed with AD from January 2000 to February 2020, focusing on their first episode to obtain more accurate data.

The significance of this condition has prompted clinicians to consider earlier surgical interventions, such as dacryocystorhinostomy, in patients aged 70 years and older who exhibit symptoms like excessive tearing or cyst formation in the eye. "Our findings suggest that the threshold for performing preventive surgery should be lowered for older women with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction," stated Dr. Demeuleneere.

The study's methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of patient data, wherein only those with primary acquired obstruction were included, excluding patients with congenital or secondary acquired issues. The team diagnosed AD based on symptoms including sudden swelling, redness, and pain in the inner corner of the eye, with or without a history of excessive tearing. Furthermore, the researchers collected monthly weather data from the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium to investigate any correlation between weather conditions and the incidence of AD, but found no statistical link.

The findings echo historical trends suggesting that women are disproportionately affected by AD, often due to anatomical variations that predispose them to nasolacrimal duct obstructions. Dr. Eleanor Martinez, an ophthalmology specialist at the Mayo Clinic, commented, "This study reinforces the need for vigilance among healthcare providers when addressing symptoms in older female patients. The risk factors must be communicated effectively to enhance early detection and treatment."

While the study presents critical insights into the risk factors associated with AD, it does carry limitations. The majority of patients observed were from a referral center, potentially skewing the results toward more severe cases. Additionally, the reliance on monthly weather averages may have obscured the effects of shorter, acute weather phenomena that could influence health outcomes.

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual patient care, shedding light on the broader need for targeted health interventions in aging populations. As researchers continue to explore the connections between age, gender, and health outcomes, the healthcare community must consider proactive strategies to mitigate risks associated with age-related conditions like acute dacryocystitis. Future studies could expand on this research by including diverse demographic groups and longitudinal follow-ups to evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgical interventions in this vulnerable population.