MODEL RELEASED. Infected tear sac. Eye of an elderly female patient with an infected tear sac (lacrimal sac). Infection with bacteria causes inflammation, pain and redness of the tear sac and surrounding area. The swelling blocks the tube that drains tears from the eye into the nose, causing a build-up of tears and cellular debris in the eye, which worsens the condition. If left untreated an abscess may develop. Treatment is with oral antibiotics.