Tränenkanäle

Tränenkanäle, also known as the lacrimal drainage system, are a network of passages that drain tears from the surface of the eye into the nasal cavity. This system is crucial for maintaining ocular health and comfort. The process begins when tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located above the outer corner of each eye. These tears spread across the ocular surface, lubricating and cleansing it. Excess tears then collect in the lacrimal puncta, which are tiny openings located at the inner corners of the eyelids. From the puncta, tears flow into the lacrimal canaliculi, small tubes that lead to the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small reservoir situated in a groove on the side of the nose. Finally, tears descend from the lacrimal sac through the nasolacrimal duct, a longer tube that empties into the nasal cavity. This drainage prevents excessive tearing and keeps the nasal passages moist. Blockages or abnormalities in any part of this system can lead to symptoms such as excessive tearing (epiphora), eye infections, or swelling.