Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What structure supplies most of the tears to the eye?

1. Lacrimal gland

2. Conjunctiva

3. Cornea

4. Sclera

The correct answer is: Lacrimal gland

The lacrimal gland is indeed responsible for supplying most of the tears to the eye. This gland, located in the upper outer part of the orbit, produces and secretes the aqueous portion of the tear film. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the cornea, providing lubrication, delivering nutrients, and serving as a barrier against infection. The other structures mentioned do play roles in eye health and function but do not primarily contribute to tear production. The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the front of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids; while it can produce some mucus to help keep the eye moist, it does not secrete the tears themselves. The cornea, being the transparent front part of the eye, plays a vital role in light refraction and protection, but it does not produce tears. The sclera, the white part of the eye, provides structure and protection but is not involved in tear production either. Thus, the lacrimal gland is the correct and primary source of tears in the eye.