| Lacrimal punctum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | puncta lacrimalia |
| TA98 | A15.2.07.065 |
| TA2 | 6854 |
| FMA | 59365 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The lacrimal punctum (pl.: puncta) or lacrimal point is a minute opening on the summits of the lacrimal papillae, seen on the margins of the eyelids at the lateral extremity of the lacrimal lake. There are two lacrimal puncta in the medial (inside) portion of each eyelid. Normally, the puncta dip into the lacrimal lake.
Together, they function to collect tears produced by the lacrimal glands. The fluid is conveyed through the lacrimal canaliculi to the lacrimal sac, and thence via the nasolacrimal duct to the inferior nasal meatus of the nasal passage.
The size of the lacrimal punctum varies widely, but it is generally accepted that the lower punctum is wider than the upper one.1 Additionally, studies have shown that males have wider puncta than females, and among females, those of premenopausal age have wider lacrimal puncta than those of postmenopausal age.23
Clinical significance
It is believed that there is a direct correlation between lacrimal punctum size and incidence of dry eyes.4 In patients with dry eye syndrome, the lacrimal puncta can be blocked using punctal plugs, in an effort to conserve tears and keep the eyes moist.
Additional images
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The tarsal glands, etc., seen from the inner surface of the eyelids. (Puncta lacrimalia visible at center left.) -
The lacrimal apparatus. Right side. Note outdated terminology: The "Lacrimal ducts" in Gray's are now called "Lacrimal canals". -
A close up of a lacrimal punctum. -
Lower lacrimal punctum through slit lamp biomicroscope -
All four lacrimal puncta in the human body, labeled and arranged in a grid
References
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1028 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- Carter, Keith D.; Nelson, Christine C.; Martonyi, Csaba L. (1988). "Size Variation of the Lacrimal Punctum in Adults". Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 4 (4): 231–234. doi:10.1097/00002341-198804040-00006. ISSN 0740-9303. PMID 3154744.
- Naz, Hasan; Tara, Shruthi; Reddy, Jagadeesh K; Prabu, V Rajesh; Thulasidas, Mithun (February 2025). "Morphological analysis of lacrimal punctum using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in different age groups". Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 73 (2): 205–209. doi:10.4103/IJO.IJO_1801_24. ISSN 0301-4738. PMC 11991543. PMID 39853140.
- Hu, Jun; Xiang, Nan; Li, Gui gang; Luo, Ban; Zhang, Yuan; Zhu, Yingting; Liu, Rong (2021-04-23). "Imaging and anatomical parameters of the lacrimal punctum and vertical canaliculus using optical coherence tomography". International Journal of Medical Sciences. 18 (12): 2493–2499. doi:10.7150/ijms.58291. ISSN 1449-1907. PMC 8176177. PMID 34104080.
- Chen, Ming; Hedges, Jerris R.; Choi, So Yung; Liu, Keke; Lin, Szu Yuan (April 2022). "Can lacrimal punctum size link to the severity of dry eye disease?". Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology. 12 (2): 198–201. doi:10.4103/tjo.tjo_15_21. ISSN 2211-5056. PMC 9262022. PMID 35813802.
External links
External links
- Diagram and discussion at aafp.org Archived 2011-10-20 at the Wayback Machine