My wife has swelling around the right eyeball's tear duct. the swelling is inside the eyelid, closest to her nose. she has taken zyrtec, (cetirizine) naproxin and is applying a warm compress. is it ok?

This : This could be a stopped up oil gland or more seriously, a blockage in the tear drainage duct. She may try warm soaks three times a day, but if this does not resolve soon, she needs to be seen by an ophthamologist for treatment.

She : She most likely has a chalazion or better known as sty. Warm compresses for five minutes 4 times a day will help . If no spontaneous drainage and resolution, a trip to the ophthalmologist is indicated for additional of prescription antibiotic eye drops or surgical drainage.

It : It sounds like the tear duct is blocked. The hot compresses are a good start, and should be hot, not cold, and applied at least 3 times daily. The other medications will not have much effect. In many patients, especially women, the duct is blocked by little stones called dacryoliths, which are usually caused by a bacteria called actinomyces. The proper first-line treatment is sulfa antibiotic drops, which can be obtained when you see an ophthalmologist. Sometimes this does not work, in which case, the blockage may need to be irrigated out. This can usually be done in the office.