Perhaps there would be a better way to phrase this. We don\u2019t have different types of tears regarding what they are made of. The way tears differ in their purpose. In addition to the emotional tears we cry when we are moved to joy or sadness, there are also reflex tears and basal tears. Reflex tears are produced when something gets in the eye. This could be a speck of debris, or it could be the \u201cfumes\u201d from an onion that has been cut. Basal tears may just be the most important. These are the tears that lubricate the eyes day in and day out, all the days of our lives.<\/p>\n

The Layers of a Tear<\/h2>\n

Tears are not just water. In fact, too much water content in tears could be a factor in the development of dry eye syndrome. For tears to be efficient, they also need to contain a layer of oil and a layer of mucus. Each layer is necessary. Water adds moisture, but oil keeps that water from evaporating too quickly. Without proper balance among these layers, tears become impaired.<\/p>\n

Tears Know Where to Go<\/h2>\n

The process of tear production, use, and excretion from the eye is truly fascinating. Tears do not dry up on the surface, at least they shouldn\u2019t. After this fluid has moistened the surface of the eye as we blink, it moves toward the puncta, located at the inside corner of the eyelid on each eye. A tiny tubule in the puncta escorts tears into the nasal cavity, where they may stay. Otherwise, tear fluid swallowed.<\/p>\n