Three Types of Tears and What They’re Made Of

Tears are more an emotional response; they are a fundamental part of your eyes' health and function. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate world of tears, explore their multifaceted nature and the vital role they play in maintaining optimal ocular health. 

What are Tears Made Of?

Tears are a blend of various components, each serving a unique purpose to help keep your eyes healthy and functional.  Tears consist of three primary parts:

Mucus:

• Provides a sticky base that helps tears adhere to the surface of the eye.
• Aids in spreading tears evenly over the eye's surface, ensuring proper lubrication and hydration.
• Facilitates the binding of tears to the underlying epithelial cells, promoting eye comfort and clarity.

Water:

• Constitutes the bulk of tears, providing hydration to the eye surface and washing away debris and foreign particles.
• Helps maintain the pH balance of tears, ensuring optimal conditions for ocular health.
• Essential for maintaining the transparency of the cornea and facilitating clear vision.

Lipid:

A lipid is a fatty, oiuly, or waxy compound that is insoluble in water. In tears, they:

• Form a thin outer layer that helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
• Help maintain the stability of the tear film, reducing tear evaporation and promoting longer-lasting lubrication.
• Enhance tear film integrity, protecting the eye from environmental factors such as wind, dust, and dry air.

What Are The Three Types of Tears?

Tears serve a variety of purposes, and different types of tears are produced in response to specific stimuli or needs. The three primary types of tears are: 

Basal Tears

Basal tears are alwaysbeing produced to keep the eye moist and lubricated. These tears are essential for maintaining the health and integrity of the ocular surface. Basal tears also help protect the eye from debris and foreign particles, ensuring clear vision and comfort.

Emotional Tears

Emotional tears are triggered by strong emotions such as sadness, joy, or stress. These tears contain higher levels of stress hormones and natural painkillers, which may contribute to the cathartic effect often associated with crying. Emotional tears serve as a form of emotional expression and can help alleviate emotional distress.

Reflex Tears

Reflex tears are created in response to external stimuli or debris, such as smoke, dust, or onions. These tears help flush out irritants and protect the eyes from potential harm. Reflex tears are typically more watery than basal tears and serve as a rapid defense mechanism to maintain ocular health and comfort.

How Are Tears Made?

Tears are produced by a complex process involving various glands located around the eyes. Here's a breakdown of how tears are made:

Lacrimal Glands:

• Located above each eye.
• Release the watery component of tears in response to emotional or environmental stimuli.

Accessory Lacrimal Glands:

• Found in the eyelids and conjunctiva.
• Contribute mucus to tears, enhancing their viscosity and adherence to the ocular surface.

Meibomian Glands:

• Situated along the eyelid margins.
• Produce lipid components that help stabilize the tear film and reduce tear evaporation.

All of these glands work together in a coordinated manner to produce a precise balance of water, mucus, and lipid components that comprise tears.

The combined efforts of these glands ensure the continuous production and distribution of tears.

So if Tears Are Always Being Made, What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can occur when there is a disruption in the production or quality of tears, leading to inadequate lubrication of the eyes. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

• Age: As we get older, tear production tends to decrease, leading to dry eyes.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy climates, smoke, air conditioning, and heating can all contribute to dry eyes.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome), diabetes, thyroid disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear production.
• Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapies, can cause or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
• Eyestrain: Prolonged use of digital screens, reading, or driving can lead to decreased blinking and contribute to dry eyes.
• Eyelid Problems: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or meibomian gland dysfunction can affect the quality of the tear film.

Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of dry eyes is crucial for managing this condition and maintaining ocular comfort and health.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent or severe symptoms of dry eyes, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional. Additionally, if over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you notice changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty performing daily tasks, seeking medical attention is essential.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications that may contribute to dry eyes, discussing your symptoms with a healthcare provider can help ensure appropriate management and treatment. Early intervention can prevent potential complications and improve your overall eye health and comfort.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

Watery eyes, or epiphora, can result from various factors such as eye irritation, inflammation, blocked tear ducts, eye infections, or eyelid abnormalities.

Excessive tear production is often a response to these issues, leading to watery eyes. 

Watery Eye Symptoms 

• Excessive tearing or watery discharge from the eyes
• Blurred vision due to excessive tearing
• Irritation or discomfort in the eyes
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Redness and inflammation of the eyes
• Crusting or sticky discharge around the eyes, especially upon waking
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
• Feeling like there's something gritty or foreign in the eye
• Occasional or frequent blinking to clear tears from the eyes
• Difficulty keeping the eyes open for extended periods due to excessive tearing

When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent or bothersome symptoms of watery eyes, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional. Additionally, if watery eyes are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as eye pain, redness, vision changes, or discharge, seeking medical attention is essential.

Furthermore, if over-the-counter remedies or home care measures do not alleviate your symptoms, or if you have a pre-existing eye condition, consulting a doctor is recommended. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of watery eyes and determine the appropriate treatment to alleviate discomfort and improve eye health.

Schedule an Appointment with Specialty Eye Institute

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, such as dry eyes, watery eyes, or discomfort, it's essential to seek professional help. Contact Specialty Eye Institute today to schedule an appointment and receive personalized care and treatment tailored to your eye health needs. Don't wait any longer to address your eye concerns—let SEI doctors help you maintain optimal eye health and vision.