Nenänkyynelkanava

Nenänkyynelkanava, also known as the nasolacrimal duct, is a small tube that connects the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. Its primary function is to drain tears from the eye's surface into the nose. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located above the outer corner of each eye. A portion of these tears lubricates the eye, while the excess is collected by small openings called puncta, located in the inner corners of the eyelids. From the puncta, tears travel through the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac, and then down the nasolacrimal duct into the nose. This drainage system is crucial for maintaining a clear field of vision and preventing excessive tear overflow onto the cheeks. Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct can lead to epiphora, a condition characterized by excessive tearing, and can also increase the risk of dacryocystitis, an infection of the lacrimal sac. Symptoms of a blocked nasolacrimal duct include watery eyes, crusting of the eyelids, and sometimes a visible swelling or tenderness near the inner corner of the eye. Treatment for a blocked duct may involve massage, antibiotics, or surgical procedures to open the obstruction.