Lacrimal abscess. Close-up of a lacrimal abscess under a patient's eye. This condition is caused by obstruction and infection of the nasolacrimal duct, through which tears drain from the eye to the nose. Symptoms include painful inflammation and watering of the eye, as tears cannot drain. The abscess can be surgically incised to allow pus to drain if it does not burst spontaneously. Antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection.