Tears facts for kids
Tears are clear, salty liquids that your body makes to keep your eyes healthy. They help to clean your eyes and keep them wet, which is called lubrication. Tears are super important for protecting your eyesight!
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What Are Tears Made Of?
Tears are mostly water, but they also contain other important things. These include salts, oils, and even antibodies. Antibodies are special proteins that help fight off germs. The oils in tears help stop them from evaporating too quickly. This keeps your eyes moist for longer.
Different Kinds of Tears
Your body makes three main types of tears. Each type has a special job to do for your eyes.
Basal Tears: Your Everyday Eye Cleaners
Basal tears are the tears your eyes make all the time, every day. They are like a constant, gentle wash for your eyes. These tears keep the front part of your eye, called the cornea, clean and moist. They help wash away tiny bits of dust and other small particles. Without basal tears, your eyes would get very dry and irritated.
Reflex Tears: The Eye's Emergency Wash
Reflex tears are made when something suddenly irritates your eye. Think about getting a bit of dust in your eye or cutting an onion. The strong smell of the onion can make your eyes water! These tears come out in a rush to quickly wash away whatever is bothering your eye. They protect your eyes from harm by flushing out irritants.
Emotional Tears: Crying from Feelings
Emotional tears are also known as crying or weeping. These tears happen when you feel strong emotions, like sadness, happiness, or even anger. They can also appear when you feel physical pain. Scientists are still learning why we cry emotional tears. Some think it helps our bodies release stress. Others believe it's a way to show others how we feel.
How Tears Are Made
Tears are made in special glands above your eyes called lacrimal glands. When you blink, your eyelids spread the tears across your eye. After they've done their job, tears drain away through tiny holes in the corners of your eyelids. These holes lead to small tubes that go into your nose. That's why your nose can run when you cry a lot!
Why Tears Are Important
Tears are vital for healthy eyes. They protect your eyes from infections and keep them clear for good vision. They also help your eyelids slide smoothly over your eyeballs when you blink. Without enough tears, your eyes can become dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.
Images for kids
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Human tears
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A toddler producing tears due to emotional stress or pain
See also
In Spanish: Lágrima para niños
