The Secret of Tears: Ultrasound of the Lacrimal Glands

Author: Yan Shuang, deputy chief physician of Jilin Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province

Reviewer: Zheng Zhiming, Chief Physician of Jilin Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Province; Member of Ultrasound Imaging Committee of Jilin Association of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine; Vice Chairman of Ultrasound Intervention Committee of Jilin Medical Association

Ms. Li has been experiencing dry and painful eyes recently. Even without the wind and sand, it feels like there is something rubbing against her eyeballs. After suffering from discomfort day after day, Ms. Li decided to seek medical treatment. This series of troubles eventually led her to the ultrasound examination room, starting a journey of exploration of tear gland ultrasound examination.

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◆Function and diseases of lacrimal gland

The lacrimal gland is a very important part of the eye, located above the eye socket. Its function is not only to produce tears, but also to provide lubrication and cleansing for the eyes through tear secretion, while protecting the eyes from external microorganisms and dust. However, when the lacrimal gland is infected, inflamed, or has tumors, this normal physiological mechanism will be blocked, causing dryness, pain, redness and swelling and other eye discomfort symptoms.

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Common tear duct problems include:

1. Lacrimal gland inflammation: usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, and can be identified by symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat and pain.

2. Lacrimal gland tumors: Benign or malignant tumors may cause lumps to form in the lacrimal gland area, which require detailed examination and diagnosis.

◆Principles and advantages of ultrasound examination

Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that provides doctors with a safe and painless way to look inside the tear ducts. By emitting high-frequency sound waves and receiving the echoes that bounce back, ultrasound produces real-time images of the tear ducts, helping doctors accurately assess their size, shape, and structure.

In Ms. Li’s case, the ultrasound not only revealed abnormal swelling of the tear glands, but also further diagnosed the underlying inflammatory problem. This information was crucial in developing a treatment plan, allowing Ms. Li to relieve her symptoms through medication or warm compresses and restore normal function of her tear glands.

◆Sjogren's syndrome and the application of ultrasound examination

A large proportion of patients present with symptoms of dry eyes, and these patients may suffer from Sjögren's syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and dysfunction of multiple glands in the body, especially the tear and salivary glands. In terms of the tear glands, the disease can lead to reduced tear production, causing dry eyes, burning sensations, and blurred vision.

Ultrasound can be used to observe the structure of the gland and evaluate the size, shape, and abnormal changes of the lacrimal gland; monitor inflammation and detect whether there is inflammation or other lesions in the gland; assist in formulating treatment plans and adjust treatment strategies based on examination results, such as selecting appropriate drugs or methods.

If you encounter eye problems similar to Ms. Li's, tear gland ultrasound examination is undoubtedly a diagnostic option worth considering. It can provide timely and accurate diagnostic information, help you find solutions to the problem, and maintain eye health. With the advancement of medical technology, let us make full use of these advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and enjoy the bright world they bring.

◆Advances in the application of ultrasound examination in lacrimal gland diseases

With the continuous advancement of ultrasound technology, its application in the diagnosis of lacrimal gland diseases is becoming more and more extensive. Technologies such as high-resolution ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound and three-dimensional ultrasound make the observation of the lacrimal gland and its surrounding structures clearer and more accurate. In addition, ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy technology also provides an important means for the diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors.

As a non-invasive, safe and efficient diagnostic tool, lacrimal gland ultrasound examination plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of lacrimal gland diseases. With the innovation of medical imaging and technology, the application of ultrasound examination in the field of lacrimal gland diseases will be more in-depth and accurate in the future. For patients with eye discomfort, especially those with dry eye symptoms, lacrimal gland ultrasound examination should be carried out in time to understand the health status of the eyes, guide clinical treatment, improve treatment effects, and ensure vision health.

References:

［1］ZHANG Huan, LIU Chunhong, WU Bin. Progress in epidemiological research on primary Sjögren's syndrome［J］． Modern Preventive Medicine, 2020, 47(16): 3056-3058, 3063．

［2］Li Yun, Wu Wenying, Zhang Haisheng, et al. Study on the effect of salivary gland ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of primary Sjögren's syndrome［J］． Contemporary Medical Forum, 2021, 19(6): 123-124．

［3］Tang Yiyong, Shi Yanyun, Fan Guanglei, et al. Clinical value of shear wave elastography and salivary gland ultrasound scoring in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions in Sjögren's syndrome［J］． Chinese Journal of Ultrasound Imaging, 2021, 30(8): 709-714．

［4］Chen Jing, Chen Qin, Deng Yueyue, et al. Preliminary study on ultrasound evaluation of salivary gland masses［J］． Chinese Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, 2021, 37(8): 855-858．