Features that Protect the Eyes
The eyeballs are protected, in part, by their
location-they are embedded in sockets, which are
strongholds of bone, fat, and muscle. Other
protective features of the eye are:
. Eyelashes, which protect your eyes from dust,
contaminants, and other small particles
. Eyebrows, which trap liquids (such as perspiration)
and particles that might otherwise find
their way into your eyes
. Tears, which supply moisture that not only
keeps your eyes from drying out but also
contain substances that fight bacteria. If a foreign
object gets into your eye, tear production
increases to flush it out. When
perspiration drips into your eyes, the high
salt content makes your eyes sting, and the
stinging stimulates tear production. The tears
dilute the salty perspiration (or other liquid
Cataract Surgery
The lens is clear in this normal eye, allowing light to pass through.
that might accidentally enter your eye) and
cleanse the eye.
. Eyelids, which work like windshield wipers
when you blink, to spread tears across the
cornea. Blinking is usually automatic-you
seldom have to remember to blink-but it is
also a protective reflex that goes into action
when your eyes perceive an object moving
toward them or are assaulted by extremely
bright light.
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