Tears keep the front of your eye smooth, clear, and comfortable. They protect against infection and help you see sharply by creating an even surface over the cornea.
What tears are made of
Tears are not just salty water. They have three main layers that work together to protect your eyes during everyday life.
- The oily layer on top slows evaporation and stops tears rolling down your cheek.
- The watery layer in the middle washes away dust and supplies oxygen and nutrients.
- The mucus layer closest to the eye helps tears spread evenly over the surface.
- Glands in the eyelids and around the eye make these layers throughout the day.
- Blinking spreads tears smoothly and clears old fluid into the drainage channels.
When the tear film goes wrong
If any layer is weak, eyes can feel dry, gritty, or watery. This is called dry eye disease, and it can make reading, driving, and screen work uncomfortable.
- Common triggers include age, long screen time, some medicines, and contact lenses.
- Treatments range from simple lubricating drops to gels, sprays, and heated masks.
- Lifestyle changes like blink breaks and using humidifiers often reduce symptoms.
- Seek assessment if discomfort is constant or vision blurs during the day.
- Early support can protect the cornea and improve day-to-day comfort.
