What are Tears? How is it formed?

Tears are a secretion that moisturizes, protects and cleans the outer surface of the eye. Tears can clear foreign matter that falls on the surface of the eye and prevent infections by keeping the eye moist. Eye trauma is a condition that occurs for various reasons such as a blow, cut, penetrating injury or burning sensation in the eye area. Eye trauma can affect the surface of the eye, cornea, intraocular structures, eye muscles or nerves, and may lead to vision loss. Eye trauma usually occurs during accidents, blows or sports activities, especially with a ball. Other possible causes of this situation include contact with chemical substances, gunshot wounds or explosions.

Symptoms of eye trauma may include eye pain, blurred vision, redness, swelling, sensitivity to light, temporary or permanent vision loss, which often occurs suddenly. Mild eye injuries can usually be treated at home, while serious injuries may require immediate medical attention. Protecting the eyes with protective glasses and using protective equipment during at-risk activities, especially during sports or industrial activities, can help prevent eye trauma.

What are Tears?

Tears are a three-layer fluid composed of mucus, water and oil that protects the surface of the eyes. Tears are important for the normal function of the eyes and can prevent the eyes from becoming dry and vulnerable to infections. Tear production means that the eyes are constantly producing to clean and moisturize themselves. Tear production may increase due to irritation on the surface of the eye or emotional stress. In addition to this condition, there are also cases where the eyes produce more tears than normal. These include allergies, eye infections and other eye conditions.

The spelling of tears is also a matter of curiosity and is often wondered how to write tears, is tear written separately? questions are asked. Although the word is better known as tear, the Turkish language institution has stated the correct spelling as tear. According to TDK, the correct spelling of the word is tear adjacent.

How Are Tears Formed?

Tears are a fluid produced by the eyes, and tear production is carried out by the tear glands located above the eyes. These glands produce tear fluid and pump it to the surface of the eye. The glands also produce mucus, which helps keep the eyes moist. Tear fluid moves from the tear point at the inner corner of the eye to the eye canal. Here, tear ducts flow within the nose, carrying tear fluid into the nasal cavity. Therefore, the feeling of crying or running tears in the eyes usually occurs when there is nasal congestion or a problem in the nasal cavity. The layers that form tears can be explained as follows:

• Water layer: The water layer is a layer used to keep the eyes moist and to wash the eye surface.
• Mucus layer: Mucus layer, the eye layer. It is a layer that covers the surface of the eye and ensures that water and oil layers adhere to the surface of the eye.
• Oil layer: The oil layer is a layer that lubricates the surface of the eye, preventing the water on the surface of the eye from evaporating and ensuring that the surface of the eye remains moist.

What are the factors affecting tear production?

Tear production is important for the eyes to perform their normal function. Factors that generally affect tear production are as follows:

• Age: Aging can reduce tear production.
• Hormones: Estrogen hormone increases tear production. Therefore, changes in estrogen hormone levels can affect tear production, especially during menopause.
• Eye diseases: Some eye diseases, such as dry eye syndrome, can reduce tear production.
• Medicines: Antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics. Some medications, such as heartburn and beta blockers, may reduce tear production.
• Environmental factors: Air pollution, cigarette smoke, air conditioning, wind and dust may reduce tear production.
• Health problems: Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis. Some autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis and lupus, can reduce tear production.
• Other factors: Stress, fatigue, long-term computer use, low light conditions and alcohol consumption can also affect tear production.

What are the Types of Tears?

Tears contain components such as water, salts, proteins, antibodies and enzymes and protect the eyes, moisturize them and can protect against infections. Tears consist of three main types, which can be described as follows:

• Basal tears: Because the eyes must always be moist, the lacrimal glands constantly produce a type of tears called basal tears. Basal tears protect the eye surface by keeping the eye moist and can provide protection against various infections.
• Reflex tears: Reflex tears are the condition of watering of the eyes caused by irritants or foreign objects on the eye surface. Examples include watering eyes while chopping onions, working in a dusty environment, or on a windy day.
• Emotional tears: Emotional tears are tears caused by emotional factors such as a sad situation, physical stress, or joy. These types of tears may have different chemical components than other types.

What are the Layers of Tears?

Tears are a fluid composed of three different layers, and these three layers work together for the normal function of tears. While the lipid layer protects the surface of the eye, the aqueous layer moisturizes the eye, and the mucus layer protects the surface of the eye and keeps it moist. When the balance of these three layers is disrupted, eye discomfort and problems such as dry eye syndrome may occur. The mentioned layers can be explained as follows:

• Lipid layer: It is the outermost layer of the tear and reduces the evaporation of tears to protect the eye surface. The lipid layer consists of lipids produced by the meibomian glands at the edges of the eyelids.
• Aqueous layer: It is the middle layer of the tears and moisturizes the surface of the eye. The aqueous layer consists of water, salts and proteins secreted by the tear glands.
• Mucus layer: It is the innermost layer of the tears and provides protection by adhering to the surface of the eye. The mucus layer consists of mucus secreted by cells on the surface of the eye.

What is Tear Duct Obstruction?

Tear duct obstruction is a condition in which the flow of tears from the eye to the nasal cavity is blocked. The tear duct is an important structure for the transport of tears secreted by the tear-producing eye glands. The tear duct connects the tear ducts and connects to the nasal canal, which opens into the nasal cavity. Tear duct blockage can cause symptoms such as constant watering of the eyes, eyelid swelling, and risk of infection. Tear duct obstruction can usually occur congenitally in babies or age-related in the elderly. While congenital obstructions often resolve spontaneously, age-related obstructions may require surgical intervention. Some symptoms of tear duct obstruction are as follows:

• Redness of the white part of the eye
• Inflammation of the eye known as conjunctivitis
• Painful swelling in the eye
• Crusting of the eyelids
• Accumulation of mucus or discharge at the base of the eyelashes
• Blurred vision

This problem is mostly seen in one eye due to tear duct and duct obstruction. Therefore, it may not be possible for tears to flow normally.

What Causes Tear Duct Blockage?

Tear duct obstruction may occur due to narrowing, division, closure or blockage within the tear duct. There are many factors that can cause the tear duct to become blocked. These include:

• Congenital factors: It is common for babies to have a congenitally narrow or blocked tear duct, and it usually resolves on its own within a few months. In some babies, the tear drainage system may not be fully developed or there may be tear duct anomalies.
• Aging: The tear duct may narrow or become blocked due to aging.
• Injuries: An injury or trauma around the eye. can cause damage to the tear duct.
• Infections: Eye infections can cause inflammation and blockage in the tear duct.
• Drugs: Some medications used in the treatment of glaucoma can cause blockage in the tear duct.
• Tumors: Tumors in the nose or inside the tear duct can block the duct.

Tarih: 18/05/2023