The lacrimal canal, also known as the nasolacrimal duct or tear duct, is a passage that allows tears to drain from your eyes into your nasal cavity. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, located above the outer corner of each eye. After moistening and protecting your eyes, your excess tears will drain into these tiny openings called lacrimal puncta located on the inner corners of your upper and lower eyelids.
From the puncta, your tears travel through small canals called lacrimal canaliculi and then converge into the lacrimal sac. The lacrimal sac is a small pouch located at the upper part of your nasal cavity. Finally, tears flow through the nasolacrimal duct, which extends from the lacrimal sac and empties into your nasal cavity, allowing tears to be naturally cleared away.
Having a regular eye exam can help you detect eye conditions early on. Even though you have no signs and symptoms of having eye problems, it is best that you go to your annual eye exam. At Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center, our eye doctors in Brooklyn can schedule you for different types of eye exam. Visit our clinic or you can check our website at https://www.ophthalmologybrooklyn.com to see all our offered services that can help you manage your eye conditions.
The function of your lacrimal canal is to maintain the moisture of your eyes and remove the debris, providing a continuous cleansing mechanism for the ocular surface. Issues with the lacrimal system, such as blockages or obstructions, can lead to conditions like excessive tearing or dry eyes.
Diagnosis for these condition typically involves a thorough eye examination, imaging studies (such as dacryocystography or dacryoscintigraphy), and sometimes irrigation of the tear drainage system. Treatment options may depend on the underlying cause and the severity of your lacrimal blockage. But these options may include warm compresses, massage, antibiotics for infections, or surgical procedures to open or bypass the blocked area (called lacrimal probing).
Lacrimal probing is a common procedure where a thin probe is used to open the blocked tear duct. This is often performed in cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct blockages/obstruction, and it can be both done in adults or children. While lacrimal probing can be effective, the appropriateness of the procedure will still depend on the specific circumstances and underlying causes of the tear duct obstruction. It’s important to consult with your eye care professional for a thorough evaluation and to determine the most suitable treatment plan for individual cases.
If you suspect lacrimal obstruction or experience persistent symptoms, it is important to consult with an eye care professional for proper evaluation and management.
At Doral Health and Wellness Ophthalmology Center, our eye doctors can do different kinds of eye exam. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. You can also visit our website at https://www.ophthalmologybrooklyn.com.
