Tears vs. Saltwater: Why One Soothes, the Other Stings

Tears do not hurt your eyes, but saltwater can.

Tears, while composed of saltwater, also contain a variety of other substances, including proteins, mucus, and oil, which help to keep the eye moist and lubricated. Saltwater, on the other hand, lacks these other components and can therefore irritate the eye. Additionally, the concentration of salt in saltwater is typically much higher than in tears, which can further irritate the eye and cause pain.