“Lacrimal fluid contains mucus, antibodies, and lysozyme, an enzyme that destroys bacteria. Thus, it cleanses and protects the eye surface as it moistens and lubricates it. When lacrimal secretion increases substantially, tears spill over the eyelids and fill the nasal cavities, causing congestion and the ‘sniffles.’ This spillover (tearing) happens when the eyes are irritated and when we are emotionally upset. In the case of eye irritation, enhance tearing serves to wash away or dilute the irritating substance. The importance of emotionally induced tears is poorly understood.”

Currently studying this and many others