Lacrimation

In a normal state of the organs, tear production corresponds to tear drainage. If the tear drainage mechanism is disrupted or excessive tear secretion is observed during normal tear drainage, then in both cases, tears will roll over the edge of the lower eyelid - the so-called lacrimation.

2-4% of all eye patients suffer from lacrimation as a result of impaired lacrimation.

Lacrimation can be due to congenital and acquired causes:

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Lacrimation due to congenital anomalies

• atresia (absence) of lacrimal puncta with normal lacrimal gland canals;
• atresia (absence) of canals in the presence of normal lacrimal puncta;
• absence of dots and tubules;
• anomalies in the position of the lacrimal points, their dislocation.

Acquired lacrimation

• eversion of the lacrimal punctum due to atony of the orbicularis oculi muscle;
• narrowing of the lacrimal point of a spasmodic nature as a result of chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and the edge of the eyelid or its blockage by foreign bodies, such as eyelashes;
• tubular stricture due to trauma or inflammation;
• purulent canaculitis;
• stenosis of the nasolacrimal canal.

Excess tears can cause lacrimation or excessive tearing.

Lacrimation (excessive tear production)

• reflex hyperproduction of lacrimal fluid due to inflammation or superficial damage. In this case, lacrimation is associated with the symptoms of the underlying disease and its causes. Treatment is usually therapeutic.

Tearing due to impaired tear drainage increases with exposure to cold and windy weather and decreases if a person is in a warm, dry room.

• changes in the position of the lacrimal punctum (eg, ectropion);
• blockage along the drainage system from the lacrimal point to the nasolacrimal canal;
• disruption of the mechanism that creates negative pressure in the canals, which can occur due to drooping of the lower eyelid or weakness of the orbicularis muscle (for example, in facial nerve paralysis)