Tears aren’t just for sadness – they’re vital for our eye health

Tears are associated with sadness, and it has been this way as long as anyone can remember.

In fact the first mention of them in human history is from ancient Syria, when the goddess Anat wept for her dead brother Ba’al.

But since then, we’ve discovered tears aren’t just for shedding in grief – this nifty fluid our eyes produce actually helps to lubricate, protect and nourish.

It’s not just water. Tears are made up of three distinct layers consisting of oil, water, and mucus.

On the outside is the oily layer, produced by the Meibomian glands. This small amount of substance prevents tears evaporating too quickly.

Tucked up underneath the outer eyelid is the lacrimal gland, which produces the main, watery middle layer of the eye.

Blinking spreads this helpful fluid which keeps the eye moist.

The conjunctiva – the clear coating on the inside of your eyelid and the front of your eyeball – produces a mucus-like substance and the inner layer of tears.

The mucus ensures an even spread of tears on your eyes.

Sometimes we don’t have enough tears in our eyes, which we call Dry Eye Syndrome.

One in 10 of us experiences this and it can affect as many as a third of older people.

We tend to make less tears as we age, and women often experience it after menopause.

Medication can do it – water tablets, anti-depressants or antihistamines for instance.

It may also be as a result of certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

People with Parkinson’s may not blink as much, and not blinking increases evaporation of tears.

Peering at a screen may also mean you don’t blink as much.

Be careful, fans of the Xbox – concentrating on an exciting video game with lots of movement may mean your eyes stay open longer than ideal.

Dryness can make your eye feel gritty and irritated – but not red. That might indicate another problem.

It depends on what’s caused it but you may need artificial tears.

It’s worth noting that these days you should be able to visit your optometrist – located in your high street optician – to have eye problems assessed and treated.