What condition can mimic conjunctivitis due to a plugged lacrimal duct?

Dacryocystitis is an infection and inflammation of the lacrimal sac, often caused by a blocked lacrimal duct. This blockage leads to the accumulation of tears, resulting in swelling, redness, and tenderness in the area of the inner canthus of the eye. These symptoms can resemble those of conjunctivitis, which is characterized by redness and discharge from the eye. However, the distinctiveness of dacryocystitis lies in its association with pain and swelling near the nasolacrimal duct and the presence of purulent discharge when pressure is applied, differentiating it from other conditions like conjunctivitis.

In contrast, conditions such as pannus and blepharitis do not directly mimic conjunctivitis due to a plugged lacrimal duct. Pannus involves the growth of tissue over the cornea, typically associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, rather than blockage and inflammation of tear drainage. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid margins, which can lead to redness and irritation but is not specifically linked to the symptoms caused by a blocked lacrimal duct. Therefore, when assessing a case of eye discomfort and discharge, recognizing the signs of dacryocystitis is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment, as