What is one of the main components of tears?

Tears primarily consist of water, which accounts for a significant portion of their composition. The function of tears is to keep the eyes moist, providing lubrication and helping to wash away irritants. Water in tears serves not only to hydrate the surface of the eye but also to facilitate the distribution of proteins and other essential substances that protect the eye. While tears do contain salts and proteins that help in maintaining eye health and fighting infections, the substantial water content is crucial for the overall functioning of tears. This makes water the main component, as it directly enables the physiological role tears play in eye care.