Tears are your Friend

Types of Tears

Perhaps there would be a better way to phrase this. We don’t have different types of tears regarding what they are made of. The way tears differ in their purpose. In addition to the emotional tears we cry when we are moved to joy or sadness, there are also reflex tears and basal tears. Reflex tears are produced when something gets in the eye. This could be a speck of debris, or it could be the “fumes” from an onion that has been cut. Basal tears may just be the most important. These are the tears that lubricate the eyes day in and day out, all the days of our lives.

The Layers of a Tear

Tears are not just water. In fact, too much water content in tears could be a factor in the development of dry eye syndrome. For tears to be efficient, they also need to contain a layer of oil and a layer of mucus. Each layer is necessary. Water adds moisture, but oil keeps that water from evaporating too quickly. Without proper balance among these layers, tears become impaired.

Tears Know Where to Go

The process of tear production, use, and excretion from the eye is truly fascinating. Tears do not dry up on the surface, at least they shouldn’t. After this fluid has moistened the surface of the eye as we blink, it moves toward the puncta, located at the inside corner of the eyelid on each eye. A tiny tubule in the puncta escorts tears into the nasal cavity, where they may stay. Otherwise, tear fluid swallowed.

Tears are Important

In case you haven’t gathered, tear production is necessary for the eyes to stay nourished, comfortable, clean, and functional. If you have noticed frequent eye irritation, a scratchy sensation, redness, excessive watering, or other unpleasant symptoms, it’s possible that you are not making enough tears. Schedule a visit with our physicians to find out why, and what you can do about it.