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Tears are a very complex fluid containing three elements. The aqueous or water component is produced by tear glands located on and around the eye. The oily component is produced by the meibomian glands in the eyelid. This oil helps to prevent tears from evaporating. The third element is a mucus component produced on the surface of the eye. This component allows the water layer to move smoothly over the surface of the eye.
 Tears perform three vital functions. The tear film in front of the cornea actually helps to focus light coming into the eye. Tears moisten and clean the eye as they sweep across its surface. Lastly, tears nourish the cornea, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the clear "window" of the eye.
Tears are produced at two different rates: Basal rate (slow and steady) and reflex rate. The basal rate is responsible for the eye's normal lubrication. The reflex rate produces large quantity of tears in response to irritation or emotion. When the eye is irritated, or you are expressing yourself by crying, the lacrimal gland produces tears in large volumes. This can overwhelm the drainage system causing overflow from your eye.
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