Yes, human tears are generally healthy and essential for eye health.
Tears, specifically basal tears, perform several vital functions that contribute to overall eye well-being. These functions include:
- Lubrication and Hydration: Tears keep the surface of the eye moist, preventing dryness and discomfort.
- Protection: Tears wash away dust, debris, and irritants, protecting the eye from potential damage.
- Nutrition and Oxygenation: Tears transport oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, which lacks its own blood supply.
- Vision Enhancement: Tears create a smooth optical surface, improving vision clarity and focus.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Tears contain enzymes like lysozyme, which help fight bacterial infections.
While basal tears are consistently beneficial, reflex tears (caused by irritants) and emotional tears also serve purposes, such as removing irritants and potentially releasing stress hormones. Therefore, generally speaking, tears are healthy.
