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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/tears.html

Tears

Also called: Lacrimation
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Summary

You may only think of tears as those salty drops that fall from your eyes when you cry. Actually, your tears clean your eyes every time you blink. Tears also keep your eyes moist, which is important for your vision.

Tear glands produce tears, and tear ducts carry the tears from the glands to the surface of your eye. Problems with the tear system can include too many tears, too few tears, or problems with the tear ducts. Treatment of the problem depends on the cause.

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.