The lacrimal gland is an important gland that performs crucial functions. While many people associate the lacrimal gland only with the production of tears during crying, it performs numerous tasks on a daily basis.
What is a lacrimal gland?
The lacrimal gland is located on the outer edge of the eyelid as well as in close proximity to the nose. It consists of a gland and several ducts. While the lacrimal fluid is formed in the orbital area, the outlets of the lacrimal duct are located in the inner corner of the eye. In this process, the lacrimal gland produces fluid incessantly. On the one hand, this comes out in emotional situations, when crying, and on the other hand, it keeps the eye moist around the clock. This is the only way to prevent the cornea from drying out and causing pain. The liquid is optimally distributed in the eye by the regular blinking of the eyelids. The blink is mostly unconscious and occurs more than ten thousand times a day. Often, many people only notice the lacrimal gland when it is not functioning properly. As soon as the lacrimal gland no longer provides sufficient fluid for various reasons, the eyes are not optimally protected in many situations. The eyes dry out, blinking hurts and foreign bodies cannot be flushed out effectively. The numerous functions of the lacrimal gland are often forgotten in everyday life.
Anatomy and structure
The lacrimal gland consists of two parts. The larger part is located above the eye. It is located between the eyebrow and the eye, approximately at the level of the outer orbit. The second part of the lacrimal gland is located in the region where the conjunctiva and eyelid touch. This can be seen by folding the lower eyelid over. The drains of the lacrimal gland are located in the inner corner of the eye. This is where the lacrimal fluid is absorbed and passed on to the nose. In the process, the lacrimal gland has several outlets that release the fluid into the eye. These are located in both the upper and lower eyelids. The lacrimal tubules often run separately from each other and unite before passing into the lacrimal sac. In the lacrimal sac, the body collects the fluid that was used to irrigate the eye. The tears are then excreted through the nose. This is also the reason why people run their nose when they cry. The structure of the organ is thus staggered into lacrimal gland, lacrimal sac, lacrimal duct and nasolacrimal duct. The individual components are dependent on each other. The lacrimal gland can only function properly when the function of all elements is assured.
Function and tasks
The lacrimal gland has a very wide range of functions. Although the theory has not yet been proven, scientists continue to believe that crying in emotional situations has a positive effect on existing stress and avoids the development of depression. But even outside of emotional moments, the tear gland performs many tasks on a daily basis. These include in particular the production of a tear film to protect the eye. On the one hand, this ensures that the eye does not dry out and that oxygen can penetrate unhindered from the outside to the cornea. On the other hand, it is responsible for preventing friction between the eyelid and the cornea during blinking. The regular blinking of the eyelids normally ensures that the eyes are always moist. If it stops for a while, the eyes dry out quickly. Once such a process has been set in motion, closing the eyelids can be perceived as painful because the lubricating layer between the skin and cornea is missing. In addition, it serves as a protective layer for the eye in that it flushes out foreign bodies. As soon as small particles enter the eye, the lacrimal gland produces more fluid. It also protects the cornea from frequent infections by the tear film warding off pathogens and preventing them from entering the eye. But the lacrimal gland not only protects against external influences. At the same time, it removes cells rejected by the cornea and supports the cornea’s metabolism.
Diseases and ailments
While it is hardly noticed in everyday life, unpleasant discomfort sets in as soon as the lacrimal gland is diseased. Thus, there is already pain and a foreign body sensation when there is no longer enough fluid produced. The basis for this phenomenon can be hormonal fluctuations or the intake of certain medications. It is also possible that the blinking of the eyelids occurs at too short intervals.This is often the case, for example, when people concentrate on a written task. Environmental factors such as heating air or cigarette smoke, thyroid disorders and diabetes can also be responsible. Inflammation of the lacrimal gland is often perceived as particularly painful. However, their occurrence is very rare and usually linked to the occurrence of viral diseases. These include mumps or Pfeiffer’s glandular fever. However, it is also possible that other pathogens have triggered the inflammation. In this case, there is a swelling of the upper eyelid, often accompanied by redness. The inflammation may be acute or chronic. The lacrimal gland can provide the breeding ground for the development of a tumor. However, in most cases these are benign ulcers. In most cases, the development of the tumor takes a long time. In the later course, the movement of the eye may be restricted or affected persons may experience double vision. It is recommended to have the benign tumor completely removed. Care is taken to ensure that no residue remains. In the case of these, there is namely a risk that recurrent tumors will develop into malignant degenerations.
