What Are the Components of the Lacrimal Drainage System?

Update Date: 2024-06-12 Source: Network

The lacrimal passage mainly includes the upper and lower lacrimal puncta, lacrimal canaliculus, nasolacrimal duct, etc. The function of the lacrimal passage is mainly to drain tears into the nasal cavity. If tears flow uncontrollably despite not wanting to cry, it is generally due to a blockage in the lacrimal passage. Diseases of the lacrimal passage are common in ophthalmology, mainly including inflammation, trauma, and tumors of the lacrimal passage. Among them, chronic dacryocystitis is the most common. After the occurrence of lacrimal passage disease, timely consultation and treatment are required.

What does the lacrimal passage include?

1. Lacrimal canaliculus: There is one each on the upper and lower sides, originating from the lacrimal punctum. They ascend and descend respectively, and then turn inward at an approximate right angle. After converging, they open into the lacrimal sac.

2. Lacrimal sac: It is located within the lacrimal fossa, with the upper end being blind and the lower part transitioning into the nasolacrimal duct.

3. Nasolacrimal duct: The upper part is embedded in the bony nasolacrimal canal, while the lower part is located deep within the mucosal wall of the lateral nasal cavity and opens into the inferior nasal meatus.

What is lacrimal passage disease?

Lacrimal passage disease mainly refers to the obstruction of the lacrimal passage, including the obstruction of the upper and lower lacrimal canaliculus, lacrimal canaliculus, nasolacrimal duct, and chronic dacryocystitis. Patients with this type of eye disease often experience symptoms such as epiphora (excessive tearing) and purulent discharge, causing immense inconvenience and pain to the patients.

Obstruction of the lacrimal passage can occur in any part of the lacrimal passage, commonly occurring at the lacrimal punctum, lacrimal canaliculus, the junction of the lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct, as well as the lower opening of the nasolacrimal duct. Patients with lacrimal passage obstruction often have long-term tearing, which not only affects vision but also hinders appearance. Patients with chronic dacryocystitis may also experience purulent discharge from the corner of the eye.