Lacrimal ducts

Synonyms in a broader sense

Dacryocystitis, Canaliculitis

Introduction

The largest part of the lacrimal apparatus is located in the inner corner of the eye. It consists of a tear-producing and a tear-removing part. The constant moistening of the ocular surface is of great importance for the vision and function of our eyes.

The cornea, which is dependent on the supply of the nutrients contained in the tear film and the oxygen present in the air, benefits particularly from this. In addition to external nutrition, the cornea also has internal nutrition through the aqueous humor contained in the anterior segment of the eye. In addition to nourishment and humidification of the eye, the cleansing function is also of great importance. Everyone knows the phenomenon that the eyes start to water heavily when a foreign body (e.g. dust particles) enters the eye.

Function of the lacrimal ducts

The tear ducts serve to moisten the eye and its structures. To maintain and nourish the cornea, humidification through the tear film is of great importance. The components of the tear fluid supply the cornea with the necessary nutrients.

Since the cornea does not have its own means of nutrition, such as blood vessels, the tear film is indispensable. To prevent the eye from drying out, it is continuously moistened by the tears. The distribution takes place via the blink of the eye.

Everyone who has ever suffered from “dry eyes” knows that too little tear fluid can be very unpleasant. Here there are tear substitutes, which can be used as eye drops for therapy. In addition, the tears have a cleansing function by rinsing the eyes.

If a foreign body (e.g. dust particles) gets into the eyes, the eye quickly begins to water heavily. This serves to rinse the eye and remove the foreign body. Incidentally, this foreign body always feels larger than it actually is.

Even the smallest grain of dust causes severe pain and a foreign body sensation in the eye. The conjunctival sac, into which the tear fluid flows, is also cleaned in this way. Tears also contain enzymes that have a bactericidal effect, i.e. they can kill bacteria.

In addition, the tear flow has a cleansing function by rinsing the eyes. If a foreign body (e.g. dust particles) gets into the eyes, the eye quickly begins to water heavily. This serves to rinse the eye and remove the foreign body.

Incidentally, this foreign body always feels larger than it actually is. Even the smallest grain of dust causes severe pain and a foreign body sensation in the eye. The conjunctival sac, into which the tear fluid flows, is also cleaned in this way. Tears also contain enzymes that have a bactericidal effect, i.e. they can kill bacteria.