What is the cause if the tear fluid does not drain?
Normally the tear fluid takes a very specific path. After it has formed in the lacrimal gland (Glandula lacrimalis) on the top and outside of the eye, it runs over the eye towards the nose. It then flows through the upper and lower lacrimal points (superior lacrimal point, inferior lacrimal point), through the lacrimal canals (canaliculi lacrimalis) and into the lacrimal sac (saccus lacrimalis).
From there, the lacrimal fluid flows through a further duct (Ductus nasolacrimalis) into the pharyngeal cavity, where the tears are swallowed. If this drainage is disturbed at one point, the tear fluid “overflows” and runs out of the eye. This is known as tear trickle (epiphora).
The closure of a structure of the tear ducts leads, can be the cause. These occlusions can be congenital, in which case the dripping of tears occurs at birth. However, they can also form only in the course of life, e.g. after inflammation or as a simple aging process.
In very rare cases, a newly growing tumor can also cause the blockage. In addition, acute inflammation of the lacrimal ducts (e.g. canaliculitis) can lead to blockage. In this case, accompanying symptoms such as redness, pain and swelling usually occur. You can also inform yourself here about the topics:
- Disease of the lacrimal ducts
- Clogged tear duct
What is the cause when the tear fluid burns?
Usually the feeling that the tear fluid in the eye is burning does not come from the tear fluid. This is usually composed in such a way that it is well tolerated by the eye (e.g. less than approx. 1% salt).
However, in dry eyes, the eye may be irritated if “unexpectedly” a large amount of tear fluid wets it.Typical is the beginning of burning when you cry. The burning should become milder if the crying continues. In this case the burning should be treated like dry eyes. If the symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.
