Could a tear cure dry eyes?
Drops that are based on real tears may soon be available for sufferers of dry eyes. British scientists have patented the design of a biological tear that could be used by millions of people who suffer with eye problems caused by their own tears not working properly. The most common treatments for dry eyes are lubricants, ointments or artificial tear fluids made from polymers such as methlycellulose (a component of wallpaper paste). But researchers at Oxford University have discovered the secret of the essential ingredients of real tears, and are working towards developing drops based on the proteins and fats in the real thing. Most people associate tears with crying, but they play a vital role in the visual system every minute of the day. As well as being a super-efficient cleaning fluid, they sluice foreign objects from the eye, get rid of noxious fumes such as those given off by onions, and provide biological protection from infections. They also keep the eye clean and moist – workin
