Dacryoadenitis (Lacrimal Gland Inflammation): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 17, 2026
Quick Answer
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation and swelling of the lacrimal tear gland behind the upper outer corner of the eye [1], usually from an infection or an autoimmune disease like Sjögren's syndrome. Symptoms include swelling, pain, a drooping eyelid and watery discharge [1]. An eye exam confirms it, and treatment targets the cause [1]. Most people make a full recovery in about a month [1].
What the research says
Surgical debulking cured most cases of idiopathic dacryoadenitis in one case series. In a retrospective series of 46 patients with idiopathic dacryoadenitis (no identified cause), 41% (19 of 46) had received high-dose systemic corticosteroids before referral and all of them relapsed, with 26% (5 of 19) becoming steroid-dependent. After debulking surgery of the inflamed gland, full clinical recovery was seen in 80% (37 of 46) at 2 months, and 8% (3 of 37) had a later recurrence, with a median follow-up of 7.2 years. Surgical failure was linked to prior corticosteroid treatment. This was a retrospective study from two centers (PubMed: Mombaerts et al., Ophthalmology, 2014 [2]).
A swollen tear gland can be the first sign of a systemic disease or a lymphoma look-alike. A review of non-infectious dacryoadenitis found that a significant share of cases have a specific cause, with IgG4-related disease identified more often in recent years. Because the condition can be the presenting sign of an undiagnosed systemic disease and can mimic lymphoma, the authors stress tissue diagnosis and a systemic work-up rather than treating blindly with steroids (PubMed: Singh & Selva, Surv Ophthalmol, 2022 [3]).
Many cases have no identifiable cause, and a biopsy is the gold standard. A review describes idiopathic dacryoadenitis as the most common inflammatory lesion of the lacrimal gland, and states that tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing non-infectious lacrimal gland inflammation (PubMed: Mombaerts, Curr Opin Ophthalmol, 2015 [4]).
What Is Dacryoadenitis?
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation in your lacrimal glands, also called your tear glands [1]. You have one lacrimal gland behind the upper outside corner of each of your eyes [1]. These glands make your tears and are part of your tear system. Each gland is about the size of an almond [1].
If something irritates one of your lacrimal glands, it swells [1]. Dacryoadenitis is the medical name for this inflammation. It can be caused by many conditions, but it is usually an infection or an autoimmune disease [1].
The condition can affect one of your eyes, called unilateral dacryoadenitis, or both of them at the same time, called bilateral dacryoadenitis [1].
It might hurt to move your affected eye [1]. Your tear gland might also produce extra tears, which can make your eye feel watery [1]. Dacryoadenitis usually does not affect your vision. But if the swelling is severe enough to put pressure on your eye, it can affect your ability to see [1].
Quick Facts | Details |
What it is | Inflammation of one or both lacrimal glands (tear glands) [1] |
Location | Behind the upper outside corner of each eye [1] |
Gland size | About the size of an almond [1] |
One eye | Unilateral dacryoadenitis [1] |
Both eyes | Bilateral dacryoadenitis [1] |
Vision impact | Usually none; severe swelling can press on the eye and affect sight [1] |
Recovery time | Most people recover fully in around a month [1] |
Who Gets Dacryoadenitis?
Anyone can experience dacryoadenitis. Experts are not sure exactly how many people develop it each year [1] because so many different conditions can cause it.
Some studies have found that dacryoadenitis is more common in kids and young adults than in adults older than 50 [1].
Dacryoadenitis caused by an autoimmune disease is more common in females [1]. Experts believe this is because autoimmune diseases are more common in that group in general [1].
Dacryoadenitis vs. Dacryocystitis
Dacryoadenitis and dacryocystitis are both conditions that affect parts of your tear system. The difference is where the inflammation happens.
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation in one or both of your lacrimal glands — your tear glands, located behind the outside upper corner of each eye. It is usually caused by infections [1].
Dacryocystitis is inflammation in one of your lacrimal sacs. It is more common than dacryoadenitis [1]. Lacrimal sacs sit in the inside corner of your eyes and collect tears that drain out of your eyes before they enter your tear ducts [1]. Blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) are the most common cause of dacryocystitis [1].
Condition | Where Inflammation Happens | Most Common Cause | How Common |
Dacryoadenitis | Lacrimal glands (tear glands) behind the upper outside corner of each eye | Infections (viral or bacterial) [1] | Less common [1] |
Dacryocystitis | Lacrimal sacs in the inside corner of the eyes | Blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal duct obstruction) [1] | More common [1] |
Symptoms and Causes
What Are the Symptoms of Dacryoadenitis?
Dacryoadenitis symptoms include swelling around the upper outside corner of your eye — the corner furthest away from your nose — and a drooping eyelid, a condition called ptosis [1]. You may also experience pain, a watery eye (epiphora) or discharge, swollen lymph nodes near your ear, and discoloration with a feeling of warmth near the affected area [1].
Symptom | What You Notice |
Swelling | Around the upper outside corner of your eye (furthest from your nose) [1] |
Drooping eyelid | Ptosis [1] — the eyelid sags over the eye |
Pain [1] | Aching or tenderness near the affected gland |
Watery eye or discharge | Extra tearing (epiphora) [1] from the irritated gland |
Swollen lymph nodes [1] | Lumps near your ear on the affected side |
Discoloration and warmth [1] | The skin near the eye may change color and feel warm |
What Causes Dacryoadenitis?
Dacryoadenitis can be caused by two types of conditions, and the type matters for how it behaves and how it is treated.
Acute dacryoadenitis is caused by an infection. It is usually a viral or bacterial infection [1]. Rarely, fungal infections and parasites can cause acute dacryoadenitis, too [1]. It usually only affects one of your eyes [1].
Chronic dacryoadenitis is caused by autoimmune diseases that cause inflammation in your lacrimal glands [1]. It is more common for chronic dacryoadenitis to come back — even after treatment — and to affect both of your eyes at the same time [1].
What Causes Acute Dacryoadenitis?
The most common infections that cause acute dacryoadenitis include mononucleosis (mono, or the Epstein-Barr virus), mumps, adenovirus, staph (staphylococcal) infections, gonorrhea, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster oticus [1].
What Causes Chronic Dacryoadenitis?
An autoimmune disease is the result of your immune system accidentally attacking your body instead of protecting it [1]. It is unclear why your immune system does this [1].
Autoimmune diseases that can cause chronic dacryoadenitis include Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid eye disease, sarcoidosis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly called Wegener's) [1].
Common Infections That Cause Acute Dacryoadenitis | Autoimmune Diseases That Cause Chronic Dacryoadenitis |
Mononucleosis (mono / Epstein-Barr virus) [1] | Sjögren's syndrome [1] |
Mumps [1] | Thyroid eye disease [1] |
Adenovirus [1] | Sarcoidosis [1] |
Staph (staphylococcal) infections [1] | Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) [1] |
Gonorrhea [1] | — |
Herpes simplex [1] | — |
Herpes zoster oticus [1] | — |
Diagnosis and Tests
How Is Dacryoadenitis Diagnosed?
Your eye care specialist will diagnose dacryoadenitis with an eye exam. They will look at your eye, including inside it, and ask you about your symptoms [1].
They might need a blood test to check for signs of infection or inflammation [1]. They might also biopsy your lacrimal gland [1] [4].
Your eye care specialist might also need an imaging test to take pictures of your lacrimal gland and to see the inflammation under your skin [1]. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose dacryoadenitis include an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and a CT scan (computed tomography scan) [1].
Diagnostic Step | What Happens | What It Reveals |
Eye exam | Your eye care specialist examines the eye, including inside it, and reviews your symptoms [1] | Visual signs of lacrimal gland inflammation |
Blood test | A blood sample checks for markers of infection or inflammation [1] | Whether an infection or inflammatory condition is present |
Lacrimal gland biopsy | The underlying cause of the inflammation | |
Imaging (MRI or CT scan) | Pictures of the lacrimal gland and surrounding tissue [1] | Inflammation under the skin and gland structure |
Management and Treatment
How Is Dacryoadenitis Treated?
How dacryoadenitis is treated depends on what is causing it [1].
Acute dacryoadenitis is treated with medications for the infection that is causing your symptoms. You will need antivirals for a virus or antibiotics to cure a bacterial infection [1]. Make sure to take your medicine for as long as your healthcare provider or eye care specialist prescribes it. Even if you start feeling better or your symptoms go away, you need to finish the full course of medication to make sure all the infection is killed. If you stop your medicine early, there is a chance the infection can come back stronger than it was the first time [1].
Chronic dacryoadenitis is usually treated by managing the autoimmune disease that is causing your symptoms [1]. Talk to your provider about how to manage your symptoms and which treatments you will need. They might prescribe a corticosteroid to help reduce the inflammation and swelling near your eye [1].
Your provider or eye care specialist might also suggest you apply a warm compress to your affected eye [1]. They will tell you how often, and for how long, you should apply one.
Treatment | Used For | Key Point |
Antivirals | Viral infections causing acute dacryoadenitis [1] | Take for the full prescribed course |
Antibiotics | Bacterial infections causing acute dacryoadenitis [1] | Stopping early risks a stronger return of the infection [1] |
Autoimmune disease management | Chronic dacryoadenitis | Treat the underlying autoimmune condition [1] |
Corticosteroids | Reducing inflammation and swelling near the eye [1] | May be prescribed for chronic cases |
Warm compress | Both types, for symptom relief | Apply as often and as long as your provider advises [1] |
Outlook / Prognosis
What Can I Expect if I Have Dacryoadenitis?
You should expect to make a full recovery from dacryoadenitis [1]. Acute dacryoadenitis symptoms should go away after the infection has been treated [1]. Chronic dacryoadenitis symptoms can recur depending on which autoimmune disease is causing them [1]. Talk to your provider or eye care specialist about what to expect.
Most people take around a month to recover from dacryoadenitis [1]. Talk to your provider or eye care specialist if your symptoms are getting worse or do not improve after you start treatment [1].
Prevention
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
The best way to prevent acute dacryoadenitis is to wash your hands frequently, especially before you touch your eyes [1]. When you rub your eyes or touch your nose or mouth, any germs on your hands can enter your body through mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, or mouth [1]. Wash your hands with clean, running water, lather them with soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds [1].
If you have an autoimmune disease, it might be impossible to prevent chronic dacryoadenitis [1]. Your provider will tell you how to manage your symptoms as they come and go (recur).
Prevention Strategy | How It Helps |
Wash hands frequently — especially before touching your eyes | Stops germs from entering through the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth [1] |
Proper handwashing technique | Clean, running water, soap lather, and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds [1] |
Manage your autoimmune disease | Chronic dacryoadenitis may be impossible to prevent, but symptom management reduces recurrences |
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Visit your eye care specialist as soon as you notice any changes in your eyes or vision. Early examination and diagnosis help avoid damage to your tear system [1].
Go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Consider asking your provider:
Which type of dacryoadenitis do I have?
What caused the dacryoadenitis?
Which treatments will I need?
How long should I take my medication?
Will my symptoms come back in the future?
Key Takeaways
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the tear glands behind the upper outside corner of each eye, and while sudden swelling near your eye can be frightening, it is almost always a temporary, highly treatable condition. The acute form is usually caused by common viral or bacterial infections and typically affects one eye, while the chronic form is driven by autoimmune diseases and more often involves both eyes [1]. An eye exam, sometimes supported by blood tests, a biopsy, or imaging, identifies the cause, and treatment targets it directly. Most people recover fully within about a month [1].
Take the Next Step
If you notice swelling, pain, or discoloration near the outer upper corner of your eye, see an eye care specialist promptly. A timely exam and the right treatment protect your tear system — and finishing your full course of medication keeps the infection from returning stronger.
Related reading: dacryocystitis (lacrimal sac inflammation), ptosis (drooping eyelid), Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is dacryoadenitis?
Dacryoadenitis is inflammation in one or both of your lacrimal glands, the almond-sized tear glands located behind the upper outside corner of each eye. It is usually caused by an infection or an autoimmune disease. It can affect one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral).
2. Where are the lacrimal glands located?
You have one lacrimal gland behind the upper outside corner of each of your eyes — the corner furthest away from your nose. They make your tears and are part of your tear system. Each gland is about the size of an almond.
3. What are the symptoms of dacryoadenitis?
Symptoms include swelling around the upper outside corner of your eye, a drooping eyelid (ptosis), pain, a watery eye (epiphora) or discharge, swollen lymph nodes near your ear, and discoloration with a feeling of warmth near the affected area.
4. What is the difference between dacryoadenitis and dacryocystitis?
Both affect parts of the tear system, but the inflammation occurs in different places. Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal glands behind the outside upper corner of each eye, usually caused by infections. Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sacs in the inside corner of the eyes, more common, and most often caused by blocked tear ducts.
5. What causes acute dacryoadenitis?
Acute dacryoadenitis is caused by an infection, usually viral or bacterial. The most common infections include mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), mumps, adenovirus, staph (staphylococcal) infections, gonorrhea, herpes simplex, and herpes zoster oticus. Rarely, fungal infections and parasites cause it. It usually affects only one eye.
6. What causes chronic dacryoadenitis?
Chronic dacryoadenitis is caused by autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it. Conditions that can cause it include Sjögren's syndrome, thyroid eye disease, sarcoidosis, and granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). It more commonly affects both eyes and tends to recur.
7. How is dacryoadenitis diagnosed?
An eye care specialist diagnoses it with an eye exam, looking at your eye including inside it and reviewing your symptoms. They may order a blood test, biopsy the lacrimal gland, or use imaging such as an MRI or CT scan to see the inflammation under the skin.
8. How is dacryoadenitis treated?
Treatment depends on the cause. Acute cases use antivirals or antibiotics, and you must finish the full medication course. Chronic cases are treated by managing the underlying autoimmune disease, sometimes with corticosteroids to reduce swelling. A warm compress may also be recommended.
9. Does dacryoadenitis affect vision?
Dacryoadenitis usually does not affect your vision. However, if the swelling is severe enough to put pressure on your eye, it can affect your ability to see. It also might hurt to move your affected eye, and the gland may produce extra tears.
10. How long does dacryoadenitis take to heal?
Most people take around a month to recover from dacryoadenitis, and you should expect a full recovery. Acute symptoms resolve after the infection is treated, while chronic symptoms can recur depending on the autoimmune disease. Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.
11. How can I prevent dacryoadenitis?
The best prevention for the acute form is frequent handwashing, especially before touching your eyes, since germs on your hands can enter through the mucous membranes in your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash with clean running water, soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Chronic dacryoadenitis from autoimmune disease may be impossible to prevent, but your provider can help manage recurring symptoms.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Dacryoadenitis (Lacrimal Gland Inflammation). Cleveland Clinic. November 2, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24423-dacryoadenitis
Mombaerts I, Cameron JD, Chanlalit W, Garrity JA. Surgical debulking for idiopathic dacryoadenitis: a diagnosis and a cure. Ophthalmology. 2014;121(2):603-609. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.09.010. PMID: 24572677.
Singh S, Selva D. Non-infectious dacryoadenitis. Surv Ophthalmol. 2022;67(2):353-368. doi:10.1016/j.survophthal.2021.05.011. PMID: 34081929.
Mombaerts I. The many facets of dacryoadenitis. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2015;26(5):399-407. doi:10.1097/ICU.0000000000000183. PMID: 26247137.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
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