4 Unique Facts About Tears You Didn't Know • Hello Sehat

There are so many things that can stir your emotions, that you can cry. From watching sad movies, hearing bad news, to breaking up, the body’s reaction that usually arises from some of these events is to shed tears. But, did you know that your tears have many functions other than crying? The following article will review the facts about eye fluid that you may not have known about.

Tears are made up of various layers

You might think that tears are just plain water. In fact, this liquid has a complex system consisting of 3 layers, namely a layer of oil, water, and mucus (mucus). Here’s an explanation of each layer in your eye fluid:

Oil layer. This layer is located on the outermost part to protect the other layers from evaporating, and to smooth the surface of the tear film so that the eye can see clearly.
Water layer. The layer that is located in the middle is the thickest layer. Its function is to keep the eyes moist, prevent bacteria from entering, and protect the cornea.
Mucus layer. This layer aims to keep the entire tear film from sticking to the eye.

Others wonder why tears taste salty. According to the Cleveland Clinic, basically all the fluids in the body have a little salt. The salt in the fluid in your eyes is the same as that in the blood plasma. Salt is necessary for all parts of the body, including the eyes, to function normally.

Types of tears

There are three types of tears that come out of our eyes, namely emotional, basal, and reflex. Each of these fluids can be produced by the eye depending on the function and process of discharge. Let’s discuss them one by one:

Emotional. Emotional tears flow out of emotional distress. This type of eye fluid contains high levels of stress-producing substances, such as adenocorticotropin (ACTH). This discharge can signal emotional signals to others.
Basalt. Basal tears are always in the eye because this fluid functions to moisturize, nourish, and protect the eyes. The lacrimal glands, which are located on the outer side of the upper eye, always produce fluids that contain protein and antibacterials. This fluid flows from the outer eyeball to the cornea and lubricates the entire surface of the eye every time we blink.
Reflex. Reflex tears function to protect the eyes from irritation, such as irritation caused by dust, smoke, or onions. So when you are peeling an onion, this type of eye fluid is what comes out.

The benefits and functions of tears

The discharge of clear fluid from the eye can be said to be a form of expression for one’s feelings. The fluid produced by the eye seems to be the body’s way of releasing “burdens” that may be unbearable.

When you feel joy that is so deep, the discharge from the eye can be a sign of that happy feeling. Thanks to this, some people are grateful to be able to bring out the emotions that have been buried in them.

In other words, the discharge from your eye doesn’t always mean bad, you know! Without realizing it, there are various benefits of tears for your body’s health, namely:

1. Clean the eyes from dust and dirt

As previously explained, each type of tear has different functions and benefits. Well, reflex fluid or reflex tears usually will come out when suddenly there is dust, dirt, smoke, or other foreign objects that enter the eye.

So, this eye fluid will automatically come out of your eyes to clean dust particles, dirt, and other dangerous things. For example, when you are walking on the sidewalk and are exposed to pollution, riding a motorcycle, or accidentally being exposed to fumes from burning garbage or motorized vehicles.

2. Protect the eyes from bacterial infection

The eye is a sensitive organ, including bacteria. Tears have a function as a killer of bacteria that enter the eye.

You do this by producing fluid continuously, or also called the type of eye fluid without stopping (continuous tears). These tears will always lubricate and moisten the eyes to keep them from being attacked by bacteria.

This is because there is a content called lysozyme in this natural liquid from the eye. This lysozyme helps keep the eyes clean and free from bacteria.

Based on the journal Food Microbiology, lysozyme has very strong antimicrobial properties to reduce the chances of the eye getting a bacterial infection.

3. Reduce stress

Crying is one way we communicate the feelings we are feeling, as well as expressing emotions. When you are emotional or stressed, you will cry. This is when your emotional tears flow. After crying, you will feel calmer.

However, what really happened? How can fluid in your eyes help reduce stress? Crying can help rid the body of stress-related chemicals. This is one reason why we feel better when we cry.

High adenocorticotropin (ACTH) is found in emotional tears. ACTH is a chemical that is related to stress. So, if you cry when you are under stress, you are helping to flush out those stress-causing chemicals so that you will feel much better after crying.

Removing ACTH from the body also has another benefit, which is to trigger the body to also release cortisol (the stress hormone). Too much cortisol in the body can cause health problems related to stress.

4. Keep the nose moist

Apart from being useful for the eyes themselves, the fluids in the eyes also have good benefits for other organs of the body, such as the nose. The reason is, the tears that are collected in the eye will later flow into the nasolacrimal tract.

Nasolacrimalis is the channel that connects the tear glands with the nose. When the eye fluid enters, flows, and reaches the nose, it will keep the nose moist and free from bacteria.

What happens if tear production is interrupted?

Not always the fluid in the eye can function properly. Several health conditions can affect its production, such as aging, infection of the tear glands, or other health conditions.

Then, what will happen if the eye cannot produce fluids as usual? The following are conditions that can occur when the eyes don’t produce enough fluid:

1. Dry eyes

Less tears cause the eyes to lose moisture. One thing that is certain to happen is dry eye conditions.

Your symptoms can include:

In addition, sometimes the production of fluid in your eyes will actually increase when your eyes experience dryness. However, these watery eyes produce fluid with a different content than ordinary tears, so they cannot moisturize the eyes as usual.

2. Corneal abrasion

Eyes that are too dry are at greater risk of injury or scratching from foreign objects. As a result, it can injure the cornea, also known as corneal abrasion.

This condition can get worse if you rub your eyes. Therefore, handling dry eyes should not be done carelessly so that the cornea is not scratched.

3. Eye infection

Less fluid in your eyes means you lose the line that protects your eyes from bacteria or germs. This means that you also become more susceptible to eye infections.

The eye infection itself can affect any part of your eye, from the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) to the cornea (keratitis).

Most cases of eye infections are caused by bacteria, so they must be treated with antibiotics. If not treated promptly, eye infections can lead to other, more serious problems, and even the risk of blindness.

So, now you understand that tears play an important role in maintaining eye health. If you notice that your eyes are drying out, use eye drops that are available over-the-counter at a pharmacy right away.

If dry eye conditions are accompanied by disturbing symptoms, immediately check your eyes to a doctor so that you can get treatment that suits your condition.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.