Lacrimal gland

The lacrimal gland is a small organ located above the eye. It produces lacrimal fluid (the watery layer of our tear film).

Lacrimal gland ducts

The Lacrimal gland ducts are drainage ducts that release the tear fluid onto the eye’s surface. As you blink, the tears are spread across the surface of the eye. Tears help to cleanse, lubricate, and nourish the eyes.

Upper eyelid

The eyelid is a fold of skin that closes over the eye to protect it.

Lower eyelid

The eyelid is a fold of skin that closes over the eye to protect it.

Upper punctum

The upper and lower puncta (singular punctum) are small openings on the upper and lower eyelids that drain tears from the eyes. The tears then travel through tear ducts into the back of the nose.

Lower punctum

The upper and lower puncta (singular punctum) are small openings on the upper and lower eyelids that drain tears from the eyes. The tears then travel through tear ducts into the back of the nose.

Styes and chalazia are both common bumps that form on or along the edge of the eyelid.

Stye (hordeolum)
A stye is a red, painful lump that grows from the base of an eyelash or on the inside of the eyelid. Most are caused by bacterial infection of a lash follicle or an oil-producing gland in the eyelid.

Chalazion
A chalazion is a swollen bump (or cyst) on the eyelid that occurs when an oil gland on the eyelid becomes clogged and inflamed. They can cause tenderness and can sometimes cause the entire eyelid to swell.

Learn more from expert Dr. Plemel.

Dry eye

Dry eye is a condition affecting the cornea caused either by not enough tears, or by poor quality tears. The result is a lack of lubrication in the eye, which can feel uncomfortable. Symptoms can include a gritty or stinging sensation, stringy mucus in and around the eyes, and blurry vision. Sometimes, as a response to the discomfort from dry eye, excess tearing can happen.

Eye injury

Eye injuries are common and cause anything from minor corneal scratches to vision loss or even blindness. They can affect any part of the eye or surrounding structures (like the eyelid or orbital bone), depending on the nature of the injury.

Keep learning about eye injury.