The lacrimal apparatus consists of secretory and excretory parts. Lacrimal gland and its ducts along with the accessory lacrimal glands comprise the secretory system. The excretory system begins with the lacrimal puncta and extends to the lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal sac and the nasolacrimal duct. The tear film has 3 layers, mucus, aqueous and lipid. Acute dacryoadenitis is an acute inflammation of the lacrimal gland. Dacryocystitis is the inflammation of the lacrimal sac and may be congenital or acquired which may be acute or chronic. Congenital dacryocystitis is due to failure of canalization of the nasolacrimal duct. Massage of the lacrimal sac area, probing, silicone tube intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy are the treatment options. Acute dacryocystitis, an acute suppurative inflammation of the lacrimal sac usually occurs as an acute exacerbation of chronic dacryocystitis. It is treated with hot compresses, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Early cases of chronic dacryocystitis may respond to syringing, while recalcitrant cases may need, dacryocystectomy in which lacrimal sac is completely excised or dacryocystorhinostomy which is a nasal drainage operation.