AN ORBITAL ABSCESS SECONDARY TO ACUTE DACRYOCYSTITIS

An orbital abscess is an ophthalmic surgical emergency that is typical ly caused by the spread of bacteria from adjacent structures, such as the sinuses, eyelids, or teeth. Although acute dacryocystitis is commo nly associated with preseptal cellulitis, it rarely causes orbital inf ection. Infection of the lacrimal sac will typically localize in the p reseptal space because the lacrimal sac lies anterior to the orbital s eptum. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an intra conal abscess secondary to acute dacryocystitis. The key points in the surgical management of this entity are discussed.