The nasolacrimal duct is a channel that connects the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxilla and the lacrimal gland and extends to the nasal cavity. Its main function is to drain the excess tears normally produced by the body into the nasal cavity.
When a person opens his or her eyes, a mass of red tissue can be seen at the angle of the inner canthus, and above and below this mass of red tissue at the edge of the eyelid there are tissues called lacrimal ducts, which begin at two nasal lacrimal ducts and enter the beginning of the nasolacrimal duct. nasal cavity. Externally, the nasolacrimal point is located in the medial canthus and the small dilated duct is located almost 1 cm below the bony tissue of the palatine bone next to the nasal root. It finally enters under the invisible paranasal bone all the way to the inferior turbinate.
Inside the nasal tubules are some very soft mucosal tissues that are susceptible to inflammation and edema caused by ocular inflammation, and also nasal trauma can lead to damage to the nasolacrimal duct. The endonasal duct itself is a very fine diameter duct system that can easily become blocked, causing tears to not flow into the nasal cavity.
This condition can easily lead to eye infections, which can be seen outwardly as a teary appearance, and in some cases can be complicated by significant conjunctivitis and heavy discharge. Usually narrowing or blockage of the nasolacrimal duct requires prompt medical attention.