Tears are much more than just water flowing from our eyes when we are sad or get something in our eye. They play a crucial role in the health and functioning of our eyes. In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of tears and reveal ten surprising facts you probably didn’t know.
1. A Sea of Tears
Did you know that a person produces an average of between 57 and 114 liters of tears per year? Although production decreases with age, we will never completely stop producing tears.
2. Three Types of Tears
There are three different types of tears: basal tears that lubricate and nourish our eyes, reflex tears that wash away irritations, and emotional tears that can appear with both joy and sorrow. Each type plays a unique role in the protection and maintenance of our eyes.
3. Emotional Tears are Unique
It has been found that the tears we shed during strong emotions contain hormones and proteins not present in basal tears. This suggests that emotional tears have a biochemical composition that differs from the tears that protect our eyes on a daily basis.
4. Tears and Saliva
Structurally, human tears are surprisingly similar to saliva. They consist of an inner mucous layer that ensures they stick to the eye, a thick aqueous middle layer that hydrates, and an oily outer layer that prevents evaporation and makes the tear smooth enough to see through.
5. The Source of Tears
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands located above each eye. These glands are responsible for constantly supplying tears to keep our eyes hydrated and protected.
6. The Tear Drainage System
Tears are drained through small openings, the so-called puncta, in the corners of the eyelids. From there, they are led to the nose, where they either evaporate or are reabsorbed. This system ensures that our eyes do not constantly overflow with tears.
7. Overflowing Tears
When we produce a lot of emotional or reflex tears, the drainage system can become overwhelmed, resulting in the overflowing of tears from the eyes and sometimes even from the nose. This is what we typically experience as crying.
8. Changes with Age
As we age, the production of basal tears decreases, which can lead to dry eyes. This is a common problem that requires more attention, especially in later life.
9. Women and Tears
On average, women cry three to four times more often than men, and their crying episodes are often more intense. This difference may be related to both biological and cultural factors.
10. Tears from Physical Pain
In childhood and early adolescence, physical pain is a common trigger for emotional tears, a response that decreases as we age.
