#Pasted Tears are produced in the lacrimal gland. This tear gland comprises the middle layer of the tear film. Healthy tear production prevents your eyes from drying out and becoming inflamed, protecting your corneas from damage # Basal Tears Basal tears are what appear when dust, follicles, or debris get in your eyes. They protect the eye from drying out and the cornea from damage. Your eyes constantly shed basal tears, even when you don’t notice. ### Emotional Tears Your eyes produce emotional tears when you’re overcome with emotion. Scientists have found traces of stress chemicals in emotional tears, which could mean crying is a form of stress relief.  Other studies suggest that crying stimulates the body’s production of endorphins ### Reflex Tears The eye’s lacrimal gland produces reflex tears, which are composed primarily of water. The body makes these tears in response to an external stimulus.  For example, if a bug flies into your eye, it will produce a reflex tearing to flush it out.