punctum
Tear Drain Opening
Plain-language definition
The tiny opening on the inner edge of each eyelid where tears drain into the nasolacrimal duct. Punctal plugs block these openings to keep tears on the eye for dry eye treatment.
Where this term comes up
“Punctal plugs are small devices placed in the tear-drainage openings, called puncta, near the inner corners of the eyelids.”
Treatment · Punctal Plugs
“After punctal plug placement to address underlying inflammation”
Medication · Cyclosporine Eye Drops
“Excessive tearing (epiphora) - the lower punctum (tear drain) is pulled away from the eye, so tears cannot drain and overflow onto the cheek”
Condition · Ectropion
- Category
- Treatment or procedure
- Also written as
- punctal
Treatment terms describe procedures, surgeries, devices, or treatment strategies used to manage eye and vision conditions.
Related glossary terms
- cornea
Clear Front Window
- lacrimal
Tear-Related
- aqueous
Eye Fluid (Front Chamber)
- evaporative
Tear Evaporation-Related
- FDA
Food and Drug Administration
- autoimmune
Self-Attacking Immune Response
A note on medical context
A glossary definition can explain a word, but it cannot tell you whether a symptom or test result is serious. If this term came from an article, use the full article and your clinician's guidance for context.