Eyes are an extremely important sense organ, because a person receives from the outside world most of the information through his eyesight. This organ is located in the bone eye socket, soft tissues are located around it. The conjunctiva and eyelids play a protective role and cover the eye in front. The lacrimal apparatus of the eye includes the lacrimal gland and the paths along which the tear passes.
The fluid exits the gland, and then moves to the conjunctiva (which is located at the outer corner of the eye) and moisturizes the cornea of the eyeball, thereby saving it from drying out. Then the tear goes into the lacrimal pouch, which is located at the inner corner of the eye, it consists of special nipples and the lacrimal opening. The upper and lower lacrimal canals form a lacrimal sac, which passes into the nasolacrimal canal and opens in the nasal cavity. This is how a tear is discharged into the nasal cavity from the eye. Thus, the structure of the lacrimal apparatus of the eye can be considered quite complex and unique.
The purpose of the tears
A tear is a slightly alkaline liquid regularly washing the surface of the eye and playing a big role in the function of the lacrimal apparatus of the eye. The transparency and perfect smoothness of the cornea is provided by this particular liquid, which covers its entire surface, protects it and improves the visual properties of the organ. Salts, lipid and protein particles, which are dissolved in a tear, play a major trophic role and nourish the cornea. Also, a tear consists of antibacterial substances that prevent infections and bacteria from getting into the eyes. Moreover, it has mechanical functions: it removes all foreign bodies that enter the eyes, washing them off the surface of the apple.
Diseases of the lacrimal apparatus of the eye
Symptoms indicating damage to the ocular organ can be very different. They are manifested by a sensation of a foreign body, sand in the eyes, as well as burning, dryness, or, conversely, the outflow of tear fluid may be impaired and excessive tearing may occur. A large secretion can pass at the lacrimal opening, in the nasal cavity or on the border of the lower eyelid. In this case, inflammation of the lacrimal sac occurs, resulting in swelling, swelling and redness of the corners of the eyes. This usually happens with lesions of the gland.
Diagnosis of the disease
For the diagnosis of diseases, a full-time examination of a specialist is necessary. On palpation of the lacrimal sac, as a rule, painful sensations arise. It is possible to examine the required part of the lacrimal gland using a slit lamp; for this, the upper eyelid should be turned out. Eye microscopy will help assess the condition of the lacrimal openings, as well as the level of hydration of the conjunctiva and cornea. As a result of violations in the work of the lacrimal glands, tissue cells begin to die, which leads to atrophy of the organ.
Necessary examination
X-ray examination using contrast dacryocystography gives an assessment of the level of fluid patency along the lacrimal ducts and shows the degree of the destructive process in the lacrimal glands. To understand how well the tear fluid goes , you should do a flushing of the paths. Ideally, water that is injected into the lacrimal opening, as a result, enters the nasal cavity, and then into the mouth. For accuracy in determining patency, a test with fluorescein is used. To assess the speed of advancement of tears, the Schirmer test is done. Take special test strips, put under the lower eyelid, and then carry out diagnostics. The speed with which they get wet makes it possible to understand the state of the lacrimal gland. Secretion in the lacrimal apparatus of the eye is impaired if the rate of wetting of the strip is less than 1 mm per minute.
Treatment
If violations are detected, prescribe therapy of drugs, which in their composition are analogues of tear fluid. Then the doctors identify and eliminate the cause of the pathology at an early stage. In order to slow down the lacrimal fluid or slow down its movement, the lacrimal openings are blocked by special plugs. If inflammatory diseases become the cause of the pathology, a course of antibacterial therapy is immediately prescribed, or surgery may be required, and then postoperative restoration of the lacrimal passages and their outflow. In some cases, drug treatment becomes useless, or the disease becomes chronic. In such a situation, endoscopy is performed. This happens by incisions that are made between the nasal cavity and the lacrimal sac. Incisions are made from the nasal mucosa, as a result of which the free outflow of tears is restored.
The lacrimal apparatus of the eye plays a huge role in the optical function of the human body, the violation of its functions leads to many problems. You should protect your health, undergo timely examinations and adhere to preventive recommendations that will help prevent possible pathologies. By contacting a specialist in the early stages of the disease, you can maintain your eyesight and prevent relapse.