Question

Why are tears salty?

Answer 1

Hint: Different types of Tears are basal tears, reflex tears, and emotional tears. Basal tears are always in our eyes to protect us from debris and they keep lubricating and nourishing. Reflex tears are formed when eyes are exposed to irritants and emotional tears are produced in several emotions.

Complete answer:
The salinity of tears is attributed due to the presence of electrolytes (salt ions)
Tears are clear liquids created by lacrimal glands. Tears are made of water, electrolytes (salt ions).
Tears are $98\mathrm{\%}$ water and $2\mathrm{\%}$ contain oils, salt, proteins.
Tears along with water contain other organic and inorganic chemicals like lipids, mucin, lysozyme, sodium, lacritin, lactoferrin, potassium, lipocalin.
The salinity of tears along with the existence of enzymes like lysozyme are responsible for antimicrobial activity. The salinity of basal tears disturbs the osmotic balance of bacteria and keep the cornea in a microbial free environment. The mineral content of tears nourishes the tissues associated with eyes.
According to researchers there is about half a pound of salt in our bodies.

Note:
Bogorad’s syndrome, also known as crocodile tear syndrome, is an unusual outcome of nerve regeneration subsequent to Bell’s palsy (temporary inability to control the facial muscle on the affected side of the face.)
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye is a disorder of the tear film. In spite of the eyes being dry, sufferers still experience watering of the eyes. It is a response to irritation caused by the original tear film deficiency.
Pseudobulbar affect is a condition comprising episodic uncontrollable laughter or crying.