Tårekanalene

Tårekanalene, also known as the lacrimal drainage system, are a network of passages that drain tears from the eyes. This system is crucial for maintaining the health and clarity of the ocular surface. When we blink, tears are spread across the eye, and then excess fluid is collected by small openings in the inner corners of the eyelids called puncta.

From the puncta, tears travel through tiny tubes called canaliculi, which merge into a common canaliculus or directly into the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small reservoir located on the side of the nose. From the lacrimal sac, tears descend into the nasolacrimal duct, a narrow tube that empties into the nasal cavity. This is why crying can cause a runny nose.

Problems with the tårekanalene can lead to various issues. Blockages in any part of the drainage system can cause excessive tearing (epiphora), eye infections, or inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis). These blockages can be congenital, meaning present from birth, or acquired due to factors like aging, inflammation, infection, or injury.

Diagnosis of tårekanalene issues often involves a physical examination, irrigation of the system to check for patency, and sometimes imaging techniques. Treatment depends on the location and cause of the blockage and can range from simple methods like massage to more invasive surgical procedures like probing, dacryocystorhinostomy (creating a new drainage pathway), or intubation with a small tube. Maintaining good eyelid hygiene and prompt treatment of eye infections can help prevent some tårekanalene problems.