Punctum lacrimale

Punctum lacrimale is a part of the tear drainage system in the human body. It is a small hole located at the inner corner of the eye, specifically on the edge of the eyelid. The punctum lacrimale serves as the entry point for tears into the nasolacrimal duct, which drains the tears into the nasal cavity.

Anatomy

The punctum lacrimale is found on both the upper and lower eyelids, near the medial canthus, which is the point where the eyelids meet. Each punctum is surrounded by a small area of slightly raised tissue, known as the lacrimal papilla. The punctum leads into the lacrimal canaliculi, small channels that carry tears from the eye surface to the lacrimal sac, and then into the nasolacrimal duct.

Function

The primary function of the punctum lacrimale is to drain tears from the eye. Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland, which is located in the upper outer corner of the eye. They flow across the surface of the eye, keeping it moist and removing any dust or debris. The tears then drain into the punctum lacrimale, and from there into the nasolacrimal duct and the nasal cavity.

Clinical significance

Problems with the punctum lacrimale can lead to tear duct obstruction, which can cause excessive tearing or dry eye. Treatment for these conditions may involve surgery to widen the punctum or to create a new tear drainage pathway. In some cases, a punctal plug may be inserted into the punctum to slow the drainage of tears and keep the eye more moist.

See also

• Lacrimal apparatus
• Dry eye syndrome
• Dacryocystitis