This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Canaliculus, superior lacrimal sac may be integral to active lacrimal pump mechanism
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;27(3):164-167.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
The canalicular system and the superior portion of the lacrimal sac may play a significant role in the active tear drainage pump process, a study showed.
"With eyelid closure, the canalicular system contracts, and the superior portion of the lacrimal sac dilates; these may be important parts of the active lacrimal pump mechanism," the study authors said.
Sixteen patients with unilateral epiphora underwent fluoroscopic dacryocystography in both eyes, and sequential images of the lacrimal drainage system were taken during blinking.
In 13 patients, the length of the lower canaliculus decreased with eyelid closure (P = .006). The mean amount of decrement was 0.66 ± 0.78 mm.
In 11 patients, the width of the superior portion of the lacrimal sac increased with eyelid closure (P = .033). The mean width changed from 1.85 ± 1.06 mm in open eyelids to 1.99 ± 1.13 mm in closed eyelids.
Further study is necessary to confirm the findings and better elucidate the tear drainage mechanism, according to the authors.