Kyynelpisteestä

Kyynelpisteestä, sometimes referred to as the punctum lacrimale, is a small, often inconspicuous opening located on the inner rim of the eyelid. There are typically two such points, one on the upper eyelid and one on the lower eyelid, positioned close to the nose. Their primary function is to collect excess tears produced by the lacrimal glands.

These tiny openings are crucial for tear drainage. When you blink, tears are spread across the surface of the eye to keep it lubricated and clean. Any excess tears that do not evaporate are then channeled towards the puncta. From the puncta, tears travel through small tubes called canaliculi, which then lead to the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small reservoir located in a groove on the side of the nose. Finally, from the lacrimal sac, tears drain into the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the nasal cavity. This mechanism explains why crying can sometimes lead to a runny nose.

The puncta can occasionally become blocked or inflamed, a condition known as punctitis. This blockage can cause tears to overflow onto the face, a phenomenon called epiphora, or lead to infections within the tear drainage system. Medical professionals may examine the puncta as part of a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose and treat various ocular conditions.