The accessory lacrimal glands are small tear glands scattered in the eyelids and conjunctiva. The glands of Krause lie in the conjunctival fornices, and the glands of Wolfring lie along the edge of the tarsal plates. They have the same structure as the main lacrimal gland but are much smaller.
| Location | Conjunctival fornices (glands of Krause) and the tarsal borders (glands of Wolfring) |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Autonomic fibres similar to the main lacrimal gland |
| Blood Supply | Palpebral arcades and conjunctival vessels |
Provide part of the basal aqueous tear secretion that continuously wets the eye surface.
These glands help supply the steady basal tear flow that keeps the eye surface moist between blinks. Scarring diseases of the conjunctiva, such as ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and chemical burns, destroy them and cause severe dry eye. They can be damaged during eyelid and fornix surgery.
Reduced watery tear production from the main and accessory lacrimal glands, causing grittiness, burning and blurred vision.
An autoimmune scarring disease of the conjunctiva that shortens the fornices and destroys accessory glands and goblet cells.
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