Many people notice a small opening on their eyelids. This subtle feature, which can appear on either the upper or lower lid, is a normal part of the eye’s anatomy. Understanding its function helps clarify its contribution to eye health.
Understanding Your Eyelid’s Tiny Opening
The small opening on your eyelid is called the lacrimal punctum. Each eye typically has two puncta, located on the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids, close to the nose. These minute openings appear as tiny dots or pinholes on the eyelid edge, situated on elevated areas called lacrimal papillae. Their presence is a natural anatomical feature of the eye’s structure.
The Essential Role of This Small Hole
The lacrimal punctum serves as the entry point for the eye’s tear drainage system. Tears, produced by the lacrimal glands above the outer corner of each eye, spread across the eye’s surface with every blink, lubricating and clearing debris. Excess tears collect in a small pool, or tear meniscus, along the lower eyelid.
From this pool, tears enter the puncta. Each punctum leads into a canaliculus. These tubes typically converge to form a common canaliculus before draining into the lacrimal sac, a reservoir near the bridge of the nose. Finally, tears travel down the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the nasal cavity. This intricate system prevents tears from constantly overflowing onto the cheeks, explaining why your nose might run when you cry.
When a Tiny Hole Needs Attention
The lacrimal punctum can require medical attention. Blockages can occur if the punctum or any part of the tear drainage system becomes obstructed. This can happen due to inflammation, infection, debris, or even age-related narrowing. When drainage is impaired, tears may accumulate, leading to persistent watery eyes, a condition known as epiphora.
Other symptoms that suggest a problem with the punctum or tear drainage system include discharge from the eye, crusting on the eyelashes, or frequent eye infections. Swelling, pain, or redness around the inner corner of the eye can also indicate an issue like an infection of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis) or the canaliculi (canaliculitis). If you experience these symptoms, especially if they are persistent, painful, or affect your vision, consulting an eye care professional is advisable.