| Lacrimal caruncle | |
|---|---|
 Front of left eye with eyelids separated. Caruncula visible and labeled at left. | |
| Details | |
| System | Eye |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | caruncula lacrimalis |
| TA98 | A15.2.07.049 |
| TA2 | 6844 |
| FMA | 77672 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thelacrimal caruncle, orcaruncula lacrimalis, is the small, pink, globular nodule at the inner corner (the medialcanthus) of theeye.[1] It consists of tissue types of neighbouring eye structures. It may suffer from lesions andallergic inflammation.
The lacrimal caruncle is found at the medialcanthus of the eye.[1] It consists ofskin,hair follicles,sebaceous glands,sweat glands, accessory lacrimal tissue and other tissues that are present in the skin andaccessory lacrimal glands.[1][2] Its non-keratinizedepithelium resembles theconjunctival epithelium.[2]
The lacrimal caruncle may have a lesion.[3] This can have any one of a number of causes, which may be difficult to diagnose.[3] Cancer is a rare cause.[3][4] These lesions includepapillomas andoncocytomas.[4]
With ocularallergies, the lacrimal caruncle and theplica semilunaris of the conjunctiva may be inflamed andpruritic (itchy) due tohistamine release in the tissue andtear film.
Sweat glands and oil glands are contained in the caruncle of the eye (lacrimal caruncle in medial canthus). As with all oil glands, lacrimal caruncles can become clogged, causing a pimple, whitehead, or pustule beneath the skin. Clogged oil and sweat glands in the caruncle can affect tear ducts. Treatment for dry eyes due to clogged glands includes refraining from rubbing the eyes and rinsing the eyes with clear water frequently during the day, either with clean hands or a spray faucet. Additionally, one can use a warm damp cloth on the eye, which will help the clogged pore to open up and release some pressure. Anti-bacterial eye drops may also be prescribed. If the pustules enlarge, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. If lesions such as cysts form, they must be surgically drained; this operation is rarely necessary.[5] If it affects the tear sac it may bedacryocystitis.
