Lacrimal apparatus || Anatomy of eye || Tear drainage system || 2024 || Optometryreels

The lacrimal apparatus, also known as the tear system, is a complex and important network of glands, ducts, and sacs located around each eye. It’s responsible for two main functions:

Producing tears to lubricate and protect the eyes
Draining tears away from the eyes
Components of the Lacrimal Apparatus:

Lacrimal gland: The lacrimal gland is the primary tear-producing gland, located in the upper outer portion of the eye socket. It’s responsible for producing the watery portion of tears, which contains enzymes, antibodies, and lysozyme (an antibacterial substance).

Lacrimal puncta: These are tiny openings, or punctum (singular), located on the inner edges of the eyelids, near the bridge of the nose. They’re responsible for collecting tears from the eye’s surface.

Lacrimal canaliculi: These are two thin tubes, an upper and a lower one, that drain tears from the puncta to the lacrimal sac.

Lacrimal sac: This small sac sits in the bony cavity just behind the bridge of the nose. It acts as a reservoir for tears before they drain into the nasolacrimal duct.

Nasolacrimal duct: This is a narrow tube that drains tears from the lacrimal sac down into the back of the nose.

Tear Drainage Process:

Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal glands located in the eyelids.
Blinking helps spread tears evenly over the surface of the eye, lubricating it and washing away dust and debris.

As you blink, tears drain through the lacrimal puncta at the inner corner of your eyelids.
The tears flow through the canaliculi into the lacrimal sac.

During blinking, the lacrimal sac is compressed, which helps propel tears down the nasolacrimal duct.

Finally, the tears drain into the back of your nose, where they evaporate and eventually drain out through your nostrils.

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