Tears appearing in the eyes when blowing the nose is a common experience. This phenomenon results from the intricate connection between the eye’s tear drainage system and the nasal passages. Understanding this anatomy and the mechanics involved helps explain why these two seemingly separate functions can influence each other.
The Anatomical Link Between Eyes and Nose
Tears are continuously produced by the lacrimal glands, located above the outer corner of each eye, to keep the eyes lubricated and protected. These tears spread across the eye’s surface with each blink.
The drainage pathway begins with two small openings called puncta, located in the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelids, near the nose. Tears enter these puncta and flow into tiny tubes known as canaliculi. These canaliculi lead into the lacrimal sac, a small reservoir situated between the eye and the nose.
From the lacrimal sac, tears travel down the nasolacrimal duct, which opens directly into the nasal cavity. This continuous drainage system flushes tears from the eye surface into the nose. This anatomical arrangement also explains why crying can often lead to a runny nose.
The Role of Pressure in Tear Drainage
Blowing your nose creates a significant increase in air pressure within the nasal cavity. This pressure change is the primary reason tears can emerge from the eyes. Normally, tears flow in one direction, from the eye, through the nasolacrimal duct, and into the nose.
The elevated pressure during forceful nose blowing can disrupt this usual flow. Pressure in the nasal cavity can push fluid backward up the nasolacrimal duct. This retrograde movement forces tears from the duct or lacrimal sac to exit back through the puncta.
The sudden pressure can also temporarily obstruct the normal forward drainage of tears, causing them to accumulate and overflow from the eye. This is typically a harmless, mechanical response to the pressure within the connected system.
When to Consult a Doctor
While watery eyes from nose blowing are usually a normal physiological response, persistent or unusual symptoms warrant medical attention. Excessive tearing that occurs frequently without an obvious cause could indicate an underlying issue.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience eye pain, redness, or swelling around the eye or inner corner. Other concerning symptoms include a sticky discharge, crusting on the eyelashes, or recurrent eye infections. These signs may indicate a blocked tear duct, an infection within the lacrimal system, or conditions like allergies or chronic sinusitis affecting the drainage pathway.