How often do you think about tears? We tend to only think of them when something makes us cry, whether we’re watching a touching or tragic movie or we’re laughing so hard that our eyes water. However, tears are really the unsung heroes of eye health. They come in different types and there’s more to them than just water, so let’s take a closer look!
What Are Tears?
Tears are essential for keeping our eyes healthy and comfortable. They are actually made up of several layers and contain proteins, enzymes, lipids, minerals, and electrolytes. These ingredients work together to keep the surface of our eyes clean and moist. There are three main types of tears: reflex tears (what we produce when our eyes come into contact with dust or other irritants), basal tears (which help nourish and protect the surface of your eyes all day), and emotional tears (the ones that form when we laugh or cry).
How Do Tears Help Our Eyes?
The most obvious way that tears help our eyes is by providing lubrication—in fact, it’s estimated that each eye produces about 1-2g of tear fluid every day! But it does much more than this. Tears also contain enzymes which can help fight off bacteria on the surface of the eye; they can help wash away dust particles; and they can even act as a buffer against changes in pH levels or temperature. All these things work together to keep your vision clear, comfortable, and healthy.
Another important benefit of tears is their ability to help reduce inflammation in your eyes—this can be incredibly helpful if you suffer from dry eye syndrome or any other type of irritation. And finally, tears also contain special proteins that can help reduce the risk of infection in your eyes by providing an extra layer of protection against bacteria or viruses.
In conclusion, tears play an essential role in keeping our vision clear and healthy. From lubricating our eyes to reducing inflammation to fighting off infection-causing bacteria, they really are the unsung heroes of eye health! So now you know why it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day—and why crying isn’t always a bad thing! Intended Audience: People who care about their vision health looking for information about how tears protect their eyes.