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Age and female sex emerged as key drivers of acute dacryocystitis, especially in those with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction.  

The study published in June 2025 in the issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported that acute dacryocystitis (AD), commonly linked to nasolacrimal duct obstruction which involves surgery, posed significant health risks, especially among older adults (OAs). 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to identify patient-related and weather-related risk factors for AD in adults with and without primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO).  

They assessed all adults diagnosed with AD between January 2000 and February 2020. Meteorological data for the same 20-year period were obtained from the Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, including monthly averages of air temperature, humidity, pressure, and precipitation. Each individual was classified as having PANDO, non-PANDO, or uncategorized status based on available lacrimal syringing records.  

The results showed that 106 individuals with first-onset AD were included, with 86 females (81%) and 20 males (19%) and a mean age of 64.9 years. The PANDO was identified in 50%, non-PANDO in 20%, and 30% were uncategorized. A significant age-related increase in AD incidence was observed overall, with a 14.5% rise for every 5-year age increment ([P=0.012, Exp(B)=1.145]). In the PANDO group, the risk rose by 22.1% for each 5-year age increase ([P<0.002, Exp(B)=1.221]). No significant association was found between AD incidence and weather-related variables.  

Investigators concluded that AD occurred more frequently in women, and the risk significantly increased with age, particularly in those with PANDO. 

Source: bjo.bmj.com/content/early/2025/06/17/bjo-2024-326753