Tears do more than just keep your eyes moist, they also play an important role in keeping your eyes functioning normally.

【The role of tears】
① Prevent dry eyes
Tears cover the surface of the eye to prevent it from drying out and also protect the eye from external stimuli.
② Supply oxygen and nutrients to the eyes
Because there are no blood vessels on the surface of the eye, tears carry oxygen and nutrients to the cells on the surface of the eye.
③ Prevent infection
Foreign objects that get into the eyes are washed away by tears. Tears also contain lysozyme and lactoferrin, which have antibacterial properties and help prevent the invasion of microorganisms and infection.
④ Heal wounds on the surface of the eye
Tears contain compounds that help heal wounds on the surface of the eye.
⑤ Smooths the surface of the eye
Tears lubricate the surface of the eye, allowing light to refract correctly so people can see objects clearly.

【Structure of tears】
The tears that cover the surface of the cornea are made up of two layers.
The “oil layer” covers the surface of the tears and prevents water from evaporating.
The “liquid layer” is made up of water and secretory mucin and serves functions such as supplying nutrients to the cornea.
Membrane mucin serves to adhere tears to the eye.

【Components contained in tears】
Tears contain many components that keep the surface of the eye healthy.
◆Proteins such as lysozyme and lactoferrin that prevent bacterial infection
◆Various components that help regenerate cells on the surface of the eye
◆Minerals such as sodium and potassium
◆Antioxidant vitamins and enzymes that protect against harmful UV rays and other factors

Dry eyes occur when the amount of tears decreases or the quality of tears becomes unbalanced.
Click here to learn more about dry eyes.
About eye diseases ~ dry eyes edition ~ EYE CLINIC TOKYO EN