Which statement about dacryocystitis management is NOT correct?

• A. Expressing contents in office is recommended to clear the blockage
• B. Do not express contents in office as this may spread the infection
• C. Warm compresses four times daily are advised
• D. Cephalexin 500 mg four times daily is used

Answer: (A)

In acute dacryocystitis, you don’t want to manipulate or express the contents of the lacrimal sac in the office. Expressing purulent material can push infection into surrounding tissues and potentially spread it or worsen inflammation, so this approach is not advised. Instead, focus on medical therapy and supportive care. Warm compresses applied several times daily help relieve discomfort and promote drainage, while systemic antibiotics address the underlying infection. Cephalexin 500 mg four times daily is a common outpatient choice to cover typical organisms such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. If an abscess forms or there’s poor response, drainage or surgical intervention can be considered after the active infection is controlled.