Tears are necessary for the continued health of the ocular surface. Normal constituents include water, mucin, and lipids, electrolytes, non-electrolytes, and proteins. Lacrimal secretion is under cholinergic control and modulated by sympathetic adrenergic, peptidergic (VIP) and humoral influences; the meibomian glands are innervated, but the goblet cells are not. Retinoids are important for ocular health and prealbumin may be a carrier for vitamin A in the tears to supply corneal epithelium with its requirements. Changes in tear constituents may cause certain ocular disorders. In dry eyes increased osmolarity is thought to cause surface ocular damage but the presence of granulocytes and inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and super-oxide may contribute to inflammatory events in this and other external diseases.