Tears

Tears are the clear liquid that your eyes continuously produce for various purposes. Each year, our eyes produce an average of up to half a barrel of tears (100 liters annually). The composition of tears, as we know, is salty, but in addition to containing salt, it also contains other components such as enzymes, fats, metabolites, and electrolytes, all of which together give tears a somewhat sticky consistency.

What is the importance of tears?!

• They clean your eyes, which helps you see clearly
• Along with other eye fluids, they help keep the eye moist and prevent it from drying out
• They can help convey emotions, for example (sadness)

What are the types of tears?

Basal Tears

Continuously present in your eyes for lubrication, nourishment, and protection of the cornea. Basal tears act like a shield, constantly working between the eye and the outside world, removing dirt and debris.

Reflex Tears

Produced when your eyes need rapid washing to protect them from harmful substances, such as: smoke, flower pollen, dust particles, or when cutting onions.... In this case, your eyes produce fluid at a higher rate than basal tears, and they may contain more antibodies to help fight bacteria.

Emotional Tears

Produced in response to psychological emotions (joy, sadness, fear, and other emotional states). Some scientists believe that emotional tears contain additional hormones and proteins that are not present in other types.

What are the layers of tears?

• A sticky layer (inner)
• A thin clear layer (middle)
• A fatty layer (outer)

So let's ask the important question: how are tears produced?

Tear glands are located above each eye. These glands produce your tears, and within a short time, the tears spread across the surface of the eye. Then the tears flow into openings called puncta, which are up to 1 millimeter in size. These small openings are located in the corners of the upper and lower eyelids. Your tears then travel through small channels and down to the nose, where they are drained out.

Are there any diseases related to tears?

Yes, blocked tear ducts and dry eyes are the most common types of diseases related to tears.

Regarding the first condition, sometimes babies are born with blocked tear ducts - a condition that usually resolves itself. In adulthood, blocked tear duct conditions can also occur. The symptoms of both include: eye watering, eye swelling, and the presence of sores or lumps in the eye.

As for dry eyes, it's a common problem for people experiencing hormonal changes, especially women during pregnancy and menopause. Also, using contact lenses and certain medications can cause dry eyes.

Wishing you good health and freedom from psychological and physical distress.

Prepared by: Rasti Abdullah Reza
Student at College of Medical Sciences / KUMS