The small opening located in the inner corner of your eye plays an important role in maintaining eye health. This tiny feature is part of a complex system that manages the tears which continuously lubricate and protect your eyes. Understanding its function reveals how your body handles tear production and drainage, preventing watery eyes and discomfort.
The Lacrimal Punctum: Your Eye’s Tiny Drain
The “little hole” at the edge of your eyelids near the nose is called the lacrimal punctum. There are two puncta in each eye: one on the upper eyelid and one on the lower eyelid, positioned at the inner corner. These minute openings are situated on slight elevations.
The main function of the lacrimal puncta is to act as the entry points for tear drainage. Every time you blink, your eyelids spread tears across the eye’s surface, and the puncta then draw these tears into the tear drainage system. This mechanism is important for preventing tears from overflowing onto the face and for removing foreign particles and irritants from the eye.
The Tear Drainage System
Once tears enter the lacrimal puncta, they travel through interconnected structures. Each punctum leads into a small tube called a canaliculus. Each eye has a superior (upper) and an inferior (lower) canaliculus, which often join to form a common canaliculus before emptying into the lacrimal sac.
The lacrimal sac is a small reservoir located near the inner corner of the eye. It collects tears from the canaliculi. From the lacrimal sac, tears flow into the nasolacrimal duct (tear duct). This duct extends downwards, emptying into the nasal cavity.
This connection explains why crying or excessive tearing often leads to a runny nose. The entire system relies on blinking, which creates a pumping action to propel tears through this drainage pathway.
Common Issues Affecting the Punctum
Problems in this drainage system can disrupt tear flow. A common issue is a blocked tear duct, which can occur due to inflammation, scarring, or can even be present from birth. When tears cannot drain properly, they accumulate on the eye’s surface, leading to watery eyes.
Blockages can trap bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to infections. Dacryocystitis, an infection of the lacrimal sac, can cause pain, redness, and swelling in the inner corner of the eye. Symptoms like sticky discharge, crusty eyelashes, or recurrent eye infections may indicate an underlying issue with the punctum or the tear drainage pathway.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you experience persistent watery eyes, discomfort, or other unusual tear drainage symptoms, consult an eye care professional. Symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit include:
Ongoing excessive tearing
Pain around the eye
Redness or swelling in the inner corner of the eye
Any discharge from the eye
Changes in vision, the sensation of something being in the eye, or unexplained bruising around the eye should also prompt immediate medical attention. While many cases of watery eyes resolve on their own, a healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may range from warm compresses to antibiotics or, in some instances, a surgical procedure.