Lacrimalkanäle

Lacrimalkanäle, also known as tear ducts, are a crucial part of the lacrimal apparatus responsible for draining tears from the eye. This system begins with the puncta lacrimalia, small openings located at the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids. Once tears enter the puncta, they flow into the canaliculi, tiny tubes that lead to the lacrimal sac. From the lacrimal sac, tears descend through the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the nasal cavity. This drainage mechanism is essential for maintaining the health and lubrication of the ocular surface.

The lacrimal system's primary function is to remove excess tears, debris, and foreign particles from the eye, preventing irritation and infection. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands and spread across the cornea and conjunctiva by blinking. This continuous flow ensures proper hydration and nourishment of the ocular tissues. Blockages or abnormalities in the lacrimalkanäle can lead to various conditions, including excessive tearing (epiphora), dry eye syndrome, or recurrent infections of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis).

Medical conditions affecting the lacrimalkanäle can range from congenital blockages present at birth to acquired obstructions due to inflammation, infection, or trauma. Diagnosis often involves a physical examination and, in some cases, dacryocystography, an imaging technique to visualize the tear drainage pathway. Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the blockage and may include antibiotics, warm compresses, or surgical interventions such as probing, intubation, or dacryocystorhinostomy to restore tear flow.