What is your tear film and why does it matter?

July 21, 2025

We often think of tears as just a response to emotions or irritation, but your eyes are actually protected and nourished by a complex, invisible layer called the tear film, and it’s working 24/7 to keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable.

If you’ve ever experienced dry, gritty, or tired eyes, especially after a long day in front of a screen, it could be a sign your tear film isn’t functioning properly. Let’s break down what the tear film is, what it does, and why TheraTears® Dry or Tired 50+ is uniquely designed to support it.

What Is the Tear Film?

The tear film is a thin, multi-layered coating that covers the surface of your eyes. It’s constantly replenished every time you blink and plays a crucial role in^1,2:

Keeping your eyes moist and lubricated
Washing away dust
Supporting smooth, clear vision
Protecting the eye surface from infection

According to research, the tear film is made up of three distinct layers, each with a different job³:

Lipid layer (outer):
- A thin layer of oil that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.

Aqueous layer (middle):
- The watery layer that hydrates the eye and carries nutrients and oxygen.

Mucin layer (inner):
- Helps tears spread evenly across the eye’s surface and binds the film to the eye.

When your eyes don’t make enough tears, or they aren’t working in the right way, dry eye symptoms begin³.

What Happens When the Tear Film Breaks Down?

A disrupted tear film can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including⁴:

Dryness and irritation
A gritty feeling in the eye
Redness
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
More watery than normal

These symptoms may also be a sign of other health conditions, please seek advice from a healthcare professional if these symptoms persist.

The most common causes of tear film instability include⁴:

Prolonged screen use (reduced blinking)
Age-related changes
Contact lens wear
Hormonal shifts (especially in women)⁵
Environmental factors like wind or air conditioning
Certain medications (for example some antidepressants or blood pressure medicines)

How TheraTears®. Dry or Tired 50+ Eye Drops Supports Your Tear Film

TheraTears® Dry or Tired 50+ Eye Drops are designed to help restore the natural balance of your tear film, which is essential for maintaining all three layers.

At TheraTears®, our brand is focused entirely on eye care. We understand that dry eye sufferers often need more than just hydration, they need soothing relief from irritation too. That’s why we created a product range that delivers 5 benefits in one drop. Each bottle of TheraTears® Dry or Tired 50+ is developed to restore, provide comfort, hydrate, reduce strain and relieve your eyes—all in one.

Key benefits include:

Restores the eyes tear film
Hydration
Long lasting relief
Reduces strain
Instant relief

TheraTears® Dry or Tired 50+ also contains hyaluronic acid, which means it helps retain moisture in the tears.

When Should You Use Eye Drops?

If you experience dry eye symptoms regularly; whether from work, weather, or hormonal factors, using artificial tears like TheraTears® Dry or Tired 50+ as part of your daily eye care routine can help maintain a healthy tear film⁶.

Use Theratears Dry or Tired 50+ eye drops:

At the first sign of irritation or dryness
When wearing contact lenses
If you’ll be spending time in air-conditioned environments
When using computers for long periods of time

Always refer to the full product information before use.

Consistency is key—just like skincare or dental hygiene, eye care is most effective when it becomes a habit.

Final Thoughts

Your tear film is vital for keeping your eyes healthy, comfortable, and functioning properly. When it breaks down, dry eye symptoms can disrupt your day, but understanding how it works means you can better protect your vision.

References

5 in 1 eye drops that rehydrate, revitalise and soothe

With so many eye drops on the market claiming to do a variety of different things, it can be difficult to know which ones to buy. TheraTears® solves this problem. Featuring vital electrolytes found in natural tears, our products are formulated to deliver 5-in-1 benefits based on your needs.

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