The lacrimal puncta are tiny openings, one on each upper and lower lid margin near the inner corner of the eye. Each sits on a small raised mound (lacrimal papilla) and faces backward into the tear lake. They are the entry points of the tear drainage system.
| Location | Medial ends of the upper and lower eyelid margins |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Infratrochlear nerve (CN V1) and nearby lid sensory branches |
| Blood Supply | Medial palpebral arteries |
Collect tears from the tear lake at the inner corner of the eye and lead them into the canaliculi.
The lower punctum drains most tears, so if it turns outward (punctal ectropion) the eye waters. Punctal plugs are used in dry eye to block drainage and keep tears on the eye. Punctal stenosis is a common cause of watering in older adults and can be widened by a minor procedure.
Narrowing or closure of a punctum from ageing, chronic blepharitis or some medicines, causing overflow tearing.
Outward turning of the lower punctum away from the tear lake so tears cannot enter, causing a watery eye.
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