Medical: Glandula lacrimalis dacryocystitis, canaliculitis
Introduction
Tears are produced by the tear gland located in the upper outer corner of the eye. Not only these glands contribute to the formation of tears, but also so-called accessory (additional) tear glands are involved. The actual lacrimal gland lies under the outer bony edge of the eye socket. It is divided by a muscle into a (lower) eyelid part and an (upper) eye socket part. This muscle is the lifting muscle of the upper eyelid (Musculus levator palpebrae).
General information
The lacrimal gland produces about 5 to 7 microliters of tear fluid per minute. The accessory lacrimal glands are found in the fold of the conjunctiva, i.e., the place where the conjunctiva of the eye turns into the conjunctiva of the eyelid. You can see the lower corneal fold simply by pulling down the lower limb.
The upper fold remains hidden and can only be seen by turning it around or by folding the upper lid outwards. The accessory glands are located in both the upper and the lower fold. The different parts of the tear film are led from the glands through so-called excretory ducts to the surface of the eye.
The inflammation of the lacrimal gland is associated with severe pain. It usually occurs on one side and is typically associated with viral diseases. The most common viral diseases are mumps or whistling glandular fever.
But also other pathogens can be considered as triggers. The inflamed tear gland reacts particularly painfully to pressure. In the area of the lacrimal gland, i.e. in the upper outer corner of the eye, redness and swelling (reddened eye) occurs, which gives the eyelid its typical paragraph shape.
The eyelid is pressed down particularly strongly on the outside, where the gland is located nearby. The further you follow the eyelid to the inner corner of the eye, the wider the eyelid cleft becomes. The eye is thus more open on the inside than on the outside.
This curved shape of the eyelid creates the shape of a paragraph mark (§). Since the inflammation of the lacrimal gland is usually accompanied by other diseases, these should be treated primarily. In addition, moist, warm compresses or painkillers can help.
The lacrimal gland is located on the upper side of the eye socket and anatomically close to the upper eyelid. Therefore, an inflammation of the lacrimal gland can quickly spread to the upper eyelid. This clinical picture is called inflammation of the eyelid margin or blepharitis.
Patients suffer from redness, pain and severe swelling on the sleep side. The swelling has a characteristic shape, which is referred to as a paragraph shape of the upper eyelid. The upper eyelid can be so swollen that it is difficult for the patient to open the eye.
Those affected not only suffer from the pain and functional limitations, but the inflammation is also very disturbing cosmetically. In case of severe swelling and pain, an ophthalmologist should be consulted who can prescribe the appropriate therapy. Inflammation of the lacrimal gland characteristically leads to a painful swelling of the upper eyelid, since the lacrimal gland is located at the upper edge of the eye, whereas inflammation of the lower eyelid is less common.
However, in the case of an infection with bacteria, it is quite possible that the pathogens will spread and the lower eyelid will also become inflamed. Those affected suffer from a swollen lower lid and often have dry eyes that burn and itch. The doctor treats an infectious, bacterially caused inflammation of the eyelid margin with antibiotics.
The tear fluid formed in the lacrimal duct is drained outwards through the lacrimal duct (Ductus nasolacrimalis) into the nose. An infectious inflammation of the lacrimal gland can spread and subsequently affect the tear duct. As a result of the infection, the tear secretion formed can no longer be completely drained and accumulates.
The narrowing (stenosis) of the lacrimal duct also leads to an inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacyrocystitis). The physician treats an inflammation of the lacrimal sac with disinfecting compresses and antibiotics. If necessary, surgical opening of the lacrimal duct stenosis may be necessary.
