Tears

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Facts

This salty fluid contains antibodies, enzymes and white blood cells that shield the eyes against infection. Tears clear away small particles that enter the eye. They also cleanse and moisten the surface between the eyeball and eyelid.
Tears are usually released onto the eye's surface in tiny amounts but extra tears are produced when eyes are irritated so as to wash away the foreign particles.
They are produced by the almond-shaped lacrimal gland found under the upper corner of the eyelid. They are then drained into 2 small canals or tear ducts (also known as the nasolacrimal duct), one on the upper lid and one on the lower lid. These 2 tear ducts merge into a bigger duct that drains tears into the back of the nose and flows down the throat.
Blinking helps to distribute tears over the eye.
Tear ducts can be blocked due to the underdevelopment of the tear ducts in babies, injury to the nose and eyes, enlargement of facial bones in the nose region or nasal polyps. Consult a physician when blockages are persistent. Blockages may be cleared by inserting a fine probe.
Infection in the tear ducts results when bacteria gathers in the blocked tear ducts or in the lacrimal sac. This condition is called dacryocystitis.
Excessive tearing may be caused by :
1. Allergies (e.g. dust, mold)
2. Conjunctivitis (redness/itch)
3. Emotions
4. Environmental irritants, including smog or chemicals in the air, exposure to hot wind, strong light, blowing dust or airborne allergens
5. Ectropion (eyelid turns outward)
6. Entropion (occurs in older people where eyelashes rub against the eye)
7. Foreign bodies
8. Physical stress
9. Styes
Increased tearing can also be noticed when yawning, straining the eye, vomiting and yes, laughing.
As we age, tears may become lesser.

Tear talk

Bored to tears - very bored
Cocodile tears - fake or insincere tears
Tear gas - gas that stinks the eyes and cause tears
Tears - an acronym for Telecommunications Emitter Automated Retrieval System (Army)

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