The lacrimal punctum (plural puncta) or lacrimal point, is a minute opening on the summits of the lacrimal papillae, seen on the margins of the eyelids at the lateral extremity of the lacrimal lake. There are two lacrimal puncta in the medial (inside) portion of each eyelid.
What is the function of puncta?
Each upper and lower eyelid has one of these openings, called a punctum. These four openings, or puncta, act like little valves to take tears out of the eye. Each time we blink, some tear fluid is pumped out of the eye through the puncta.
What is a narrowed punctum?
Punctal stenosis is narrowing or occlusion of the external opening of the lacrimal canaliculus, the punctum. 1. It can be diagnosed when the punctum is less than 0.3 mm in diameter.
