We produce tears when we cry primarily to protect our eyes, wash out irritants, and in response to strong emotions.
The Purpose of Tears
Crying is a natural bodily function serving several important roles beyond just expressing emotion. Based on information from David Silverstone, M.D., a professor of ophthalmology at the Yale School of Medicine, we cry for multiple reasons:
- To Protect Our Eyes: Tears form a protective layer.
- To Wash Out Irritants: They help cleanse the eye surface from foreign particles, smoke, or vapors (like when cutting onions).
- Because We Are Moved to Tears: Emotional responses trigger tear production.
These functions highlight that tears are essential for both physical eye health and processing emotional experiences.
The Three Types of Tears
Interestingly, not all tears are the same. Dr. Silverstone explains that there are distinct types of tears, each serving a specific purpose:
- Basal Tears: These are constantly present in the eyes, providing lubrication and nourishment to the cornea. They are crucial for maintaining healthy vision.
- Reflex Tears: Produced in larger quantities than basal tears, these tears occur when the eyes encounter irritants (like dust, smoke, or onions). Their primary job is to flush out the offending substance.
- Emotional Tears: Triggered by strong feelings such as sadness, joy, anger, or stress, these tears are associated with crying linked to psychological states. Some research suggests they may contain different chemical compositions compared to basal or reflex tears, potentially helping the body release stress hormones.
While their triggers and volumes differ, these three forms of tears share fundamental characteristics, primarily consisting of water, salts, antibodies, and enzymes that maintain eye health and fight infection.
Understanding the different types helps explain why tears flow not just during moments of sadness, but also when our eyes need protection or cleansing.
