Crying is a natural human response to strong emotions, yet it often leads to eye discomfort or pain. This common experience prompts many to wonder why. Understanding the physiological processes involved in tear production and the body’s reaction to prolonged crying helps to demystify this discomfort.
Understanding Tears
Our eyes produce different types of tears, each with distinct biological roles. Basal tears continuously lubricate and nourish the eye’s surface, protecting it from irritants. Reflex tears flush out foreign particles or respond to irritants like smoke or onion fumes. Both types consist primarily of water, salts, antibodies, and lysozyme, an antibacterial enzyme.
Emotional tears differ in chemical makeup from basal or reflex tears. Triggered by intense feelings like sadness or frustration, they originate from the lacrimal glands. Emotional tears contain higher concentrations of protein, including stress hormones like prolactin and ACTH, along with manganese. After production, tears typically drain through tiny ducts into the nasal cavity.
Causes of Eye Discomfort
Discomfort after crying stems from several physiological reactions. One factor is chemical irritation from prolonged exposure to emotional tears. Their unique composition, with higher protein and stress hormones, can mildly irritate the delicate conjunctiva and surrounding skin. Additionally, tear salinity can cause a stinging or burning sensation as water evaporates from the skin.
Physical strain on muscles around the eyes also contributes to discomfort. During intense crying, facial muscles, including those for squinting and tensing eyelids, undergo repeated contractions. This sustained activity leads to fatigue and soreness, similar to any overused muscle. The constant pressure can cause a dull ache around the eye sockets.
Paradoxically, excessive tearing can lead to temporary dryness on the eye’s surface. The natural tear film, which provides consistent lubrication, can be disrupted by the overwhelming volume of emotional tears. This disruption creates dry spots on the cornea, causing a gritty, scratchy sensation as the eyelid rubs over the uneven surface. This temporary dryness makes the eyes feel sore and irritated.
Fluid retention and increased blood flow around the eyes also contribute to discomfort. Intense crying can cause capillaries to dilate, leading to puffiness and swelling around the eyelids. This swelling creates a sensation of pressure or tenderness. Swollen tissues can also press on nerve endings, intensifying discomfort.
Rubbing the eyes, an instinctive act to wipe away tears or alleviate irritation, can exacerbate the problem. The sensitive conjunctiva and thin skin around the eyes are easily damaged by friction. Repeated rubbing can cause micro-abrasions, redness, and further inflammation, intensifying soreness and prolonging recovery.
Relief and Prevention
Several strategies can alleviate eye discomfort after crying. Applying a cool compress to closed eyelids reduces swelling and soothes irritated tissues. The cool temperature constricts blood vessels, decreasing fluid retention and calming inflammation. A clean cloth dampened with cool water works well.
Gently rinsing eyes with cool, clean water or a sterile saline solution washes away residual tear components and irritants. This rebalances the pH and salinity on the eye’s surface, reducing chemical irritation. Use gentle motions to avoid further aggravating the sensitive area.
Using over-the-counter lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, can rehydrate the eye surface and restore the disrupted tear film. These drops provide moisture, alleviating the gritty sensation from temporary dryness. Preservative-free drops are often recommended for sensitive eyes or frequent use.
Avoiding the urge to rub the eyes prevents further irritation and damage. While instinctive, rubbing worsens redness, swelling, and discomfort by abrading the delicate eye surface and skin. Allowing eyes adequate rest by closing them helps facial muscles recover from strain. Staying well-hydrated supports overall bodily fluid balance, indirectly aiding recovery.