Your eyes "watering system"
Ever wondered where all your tears go?All your tears that get produced daily in the eyes, drain through the lacrimal draining systems. The eyes lacrimal draining system consists of the following structures.
The Puncta:
The puncta are located at the posterior edge of the lid margin.The Canaliculi:
The canaliculi pass vertically from the lid margin for about 2mm, then turn medially for about 8mm to reach the lacrimal sac.Lacrimal Sac:
The lacrimal sac is about 10mm long and lies in the lacrimal fossa.Nasolacrimal Duct:
The nasolacrimal duct is about 12mm long and is the continuation of the lacrimal sac.how does it work?
Tears secreted by the main and accessory lacrimal glands pass laterally across the ocular surface towards the nose. Tears flow along the upper and lower lid margins and enter the upper and lower canaliculi. About 70% of the tears drain through the lower canaliculi. Each blink assists in the distribution of tears over the ocular surface.Many people suffer from an overflow of tears from the eyes, and it may be caused by one of the following causes:
Hyper secretion:
This may be secondary to ocular inflammation or surface disease.Defective drainage:
This is caused be compromise of the lacrimal drainage system. It may be exacerbated by a cold and windy atmosphere. It may also be caused by a malposition of the lacrimal puncta or obstruction anywhere along the lacrimal drainage system.Lacrimal pump failure:
Lower lid laxity or weakness when blinking may cause the lacrimal pump to fail.If you would like to know more about your eyes visit Werner Fourie Optometrists on the corner of Courtenay and Wellington street, to view videos go to www.wernerfourieoptom.co.za, or phone Werner Fourie Optometrsist at (044) 873 4888.
