If you've ever taken a close look at your cat's eyes, you may have noticed a buildup of what looks like gunk in the corners. This substance is called tear film, and it's actually made up of several different layers that serve important functions in keeping your cat's eyes healthy.
The outermost layer of tear film is made up of lipids, or fats, which help to keep the tears from evaporating too quickly. The middle layer consists of watery tears, and the innermost layer is made up of mucus. This mucus helps to keep the surface of the eye moist and protected from bacteria and other foreign particles.
Tear film is produced by the lacrimal glands, which are located just above the eyes. Cats typically have three sets of these glands: one set produces watery tears, another produces mucus, and the third produces lipids. All three types of tears are necessary for proper eye health.
If there is an imbalance in any of these three types of tears, it can lead to problems with the eye surface not being properly lubricated or protected. For example, if there is not enough lipid production, tears will evaporate too quickly and this can cause dryness and irritation. If there is too much mucus production, it can cause discharge and crusting around the eyes. And if there isn't enough water production, it can lead to dehydration and inflammation.
Fortunately, most cases of imbalanced tear production are relatively easy to treat with over-the-counter eye drops or ointments that can help replenish whatever component is lacking. If you suspect that your cat may have an issue with its tear production, it's best to consult with your veterinarian so they can diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment options