The small openings on the inner corner of your eyelids are a normal and important part of your eye’s anatomy. These “little holes” play a role in managing tears, which are essential for eye health and comfort. Understanding their function provides insight into the processes that protect and lubricate our eyes.
Anatomy and Initial Function
These tiny openings are known as lacrimal puncta, with “punctum” being the singular term. You have one punctum on the upper eyelid and one on the lower eyelid, located near the nose at the inner corner of each eye.
The primary role of the lacrimal puncta is to act as the initial drainage points for tears from the eye’s surface. They collect excess tears, preventing them from overflowing onto the cheek. Each time you blink, the puncta engage in a pumping action, drawing tears into the tear drainage system. This continuous collection of tears is fundamental for maintaining clear vision and keeping the eye adequately lubricated.
The Complete Tear Drainage System
The lacrimal puncta are just the beginning of a more extensive system designed to manage tear flow, from production to eventual drainage. Tears are continuously produced by the lacrimal glands, located behind the upper, outer corner of each eye. These glands generate the watery component of tears, which then spread across the eye’s surface with each blink.
After lubricating the eye and clearing any debris, tears collect in a small pool near the inner corner of the eye, called the tear meniscus or tear lake. From this lake, the lacrimal puncta draw tears into small tubes called canaliculi. These canaliculi often merge to form a common canaliculus before emptying into the lacrimal sac.
The lacrimal sac acts as a temporary reservoir for tears. From the lacrimal sac, tears then travel down the nasolacrimal duct, a tube that extends into the nasal cavity. This explains why crying can lead to a runny nose or why you might taste eye drops; the tears ultimately drain into the back of the nose and throat. This entire system is crucial for keeping the eye moist, healthy, and free of foreign particles.
Common Concerns and When to Seek Advice
Issues with the lacrimal puncta or the broader tear drainage system can lead to noticeable symptoms. One common concern is punctal occlusion or blockage, where the tiny openings become narrowed or completely obstructed. This often results in epiphora, the medical term for excessive tearing or watery eyes, because tears cannot drain properly and overflow onto the face.
Other problems can include dacryocystitis, an inflammation or infection of the lacrimal sac, often caused by a blocked tear duct. Symptoms of dacryocystitis can include pain, swelling, and redness around the inner corner of the eye, sometimes accompanied by discharge or fever. Misdirection of the puncta, where they do not properly align with the tear lake, can also impair drainage.
If you experience persistent tearing, especially if it interferes with daily activities, or notice symptoms like pain, swelling, redness, or discharge around the eye or its inner corner, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional. These symptoms could indicate a blockage, infection, or other condition of the tear drainage system that may require medical attention.