Why Do Eyes Water in the Wind?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do eyes water in the wind?

The Big Idea

Wind can make your eyes water, even when you are not sad. Wind dries the front of your eye. So your eye glands make extra tears, like windshield fluid. This is a normal way to protect your eyes.

Wind Hits the Eye

Step one: wind hits the eye. Air moves across the front of your eye. It feels cool and a little bit dry. Wind can also carry dust and cold air.

Surface Dries

Step two: the surface dries. The thin layer of tears starts to dry out. Nerves notice and send a signal that your eye needs help. Tears are mostly water with a little salt and oil.

Glands Pour Tears

Step three: glands pour tears. A gland above your eye, called the tear gland, makes extra tears. The tears pour out to keep your eye wet. The extra tears drain down a tiny channel into your nose, so sometimes your nose runs, too.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at watery eyes. The tear gland makes the tears. The tears spread over your eye to protect it. When there are too many, they spill over, and your eyes water. It is a tiny spray system built right in.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Wind, cold, and onions can all start tears. These tears are called reflex tears. Blinking helps spread tears and keeps eyes comfy. Sunglasses can help on very windy days. Your eyes are always taking care of themselves.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! On a windy day, go for a walk with a grown-up. Blink more often than usual. Notice if your eyes water less. Why might blinking help?

Outro

Watery eyes are your eyes working hard to stay happy! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!