What is the primary purpose of teardrops?

Teardrops primarily serve the function of providing lubrication to the eyes. This lubrication is crucial as it helps maintain a healthy balance of moisture on the surface of the eye, preventing dryness and irritation. The tear film consists of three layers—lipid, aqueous, and mucin—that work together to keep the eye hydrated, protect against environmental irritants, and enable smooth movement of the eyelids over the eye surface.

While tears do play a role in washing away debris, this is not their primary purpose; they are mainly designed to keep the eye's surface moist and comfortable. Cooling the eyes or enhancing vision clarity are not fundamental functions of tears, although a comfortable and well-lubricated eye can indeed contribute to clearer vision.