Overview
Tears are produced by the lacrimal gland located in the upper outer portion of each eye. Tears drain into a tear duct through a very small opening in the corner of your eye, near your nose. This opening is called the nasolacrimal duct. If this duct is blocked, the tears will build up and overflow onto the cheek.
Review Date 7/16/2024
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.