Lacrimal papilla

The lacrimal papilla is a small conical elevation located at the medial end of each eyelid margin (both upper and lower eyelids), near the medial canthus.

Each papilla contains a small opening called the lacrimal punctum, which serves as the entry point into the lacrimal drainage system.

Function

The lacrimal papilla helps drain tears from the surface of the eye into the lacrimal canaliculi, lacrimal sac, nasolacrimal duct, and the inferior meatus of the nose.

Clinical correlates

• Obstruction of the punctum or canaliculi may cause epiphora (overflow of tears).

• The lacrimal papilla are important during procedures such as lacrimal probing, punctal dilation, and syringing of the lacrimal apparatus.