Human eye » Tears » Why are tears important?

One of the basic conditions of normal eye function is good wetting of the surface of the eye with tears. There is not even in the accumulation of the tears or tears running down their face. Tears can be simply defined as a fluid coming out of our eyes when we cry or when our eyes "cry" - such as irritation.

They are liquid product of lacrimal, mucous and oil glands. Normal tear production is about 1.2 ml / min. In the case that the anterior segment of eye is irritated or during the emotional excitement, tear production is increased several times - it can be up to 100 times more.

The main task of tears, as already mentioned, is moisten the surface of the anterior segment. At this moisture has the greatest proportion type of tear, called a tear film. It keeps your eyes constantly moist.

Intact tear film is essential for maintaining a healthy ocular surface. Even small disturbances quality and quantity of the tear film leading to disruption of functional units - the cornea, conjunctiva, Meibom glands, accessory and main lacrimal glands and neural reflexes. Even a small disruption of the equilibrium condition can cause symptoms of dry eye. If not treated, can lead to vision disorders as well as permanent damage to the ocular surface.