Why Do My Eyes Burn When I Cry? 😢

 

Table of Contents

 

- Introduction

- Anatomy of Tears

    - Types of Tears

    - Tear Ducts

- Causes of Burning Sensation

    - Irritation and Dryness 

    - Infection

    - Allergies

- Treatments and Remedies

    - Artificial Tears

    - Warm Compresses

    - Medication

    - Surgery

- When to See a Doctor 

- Conclusion

- FAQs

 

 Introduction

 

Have you ever experienced a painful, irritating burning sensation in your eyes while crying or after shedding some tears? This is an extremely common occurrence that most people have likely faced at some point in their lives. But what exactly causes that unpleasant stinging, dry, and inflamed feeling in your eyes when the waterworks start flowing?

 

In this comprehensive article, we will dive deep into the reasons why crying can make your eyes burn, sting, and feel irritated. We'll explore the anatomy of tears, the biological purpose and function of crying, potential causes of eye burning during and after tears, treatments and remedies to find relief from the discomfort, and when you should see a doctor about persistent symptoms. Read on to finally understand why your eyes sometimes feel like they are on fire when you have a good cry!

 

To start, it helps to understand what tears are, why we cry, and how the tearing system in the eyes functions normally. So let's break down the basics of crying anatomy and physiology before looking at reasons for burning and irritation.

 

 Anatomy of Tears

 

Tears are an important protective mechanism for the surface of the eyes, keeping them moisturized and helping flush out foreign particles or irritants. But not all tears are the same.

 

 Types of Tears

 

There are three major categories of tears produced by the lacrimal system in the eyes:

 

 Basal Tears

 

Basal tears, also called continuous tears, are always present in the eyes in small amounts even when we are not crying. These tears are produced continuously by small glands in the upper eyelids called accessory lacrimal glands.

 

The main role of basal tears is to keep the front surface of the eyes constantly lubricated. They coat the cornea and conjunctiva with a thin film of fluid that contains water, proteins, antibodies, and various other substances. This fluid film smooths the surface of the eyes for clear vision and washes away debris or irritants. The constant bathing of basal tears also provides nourishment and oxygen to the cells on the surface of the eyes.

 

Basal tears make up the majority of the fluid volume present in our eyes at any given time, whether crying or not. They are produced and drained at a steady rate to maintain eye health and hydration. A minor deficiency in basal tear production can result in dry eye syndrome.

 

 Reflex Tears

 

Reflex tears are produced as a direct response to physical irritation, injury, or stimulation of the eyes.

 

Examples of triggers that can stimulate reflex tearing include:

 

- Onion vapors

- Smoke or fumes 

- Wind

- Bright sunlight

- Foreign particles or specks entering the eyes

- Eye injury or trauma

 

Reflex tears serve to quickly wash out and dilute irritating substances that could potentially damage the surface of the eyes. They flood the eye with fluid to flush away the irritant. Reflex tears contain more water and less protein compared to other tear types.

 

The trigeminal nerve conveys sensory information from the eyes to the brainstem reflex centers that stimulate reflex tear production. When an irritant is detected, these brainstem areas reflexively activate the lacrimal system to generate a surge of protective tears.

 

 Emotional Tears

 

Emotional tears are produced in response to strong emotions, stress, grief, physical pain, sadness, or joy. Crying from emotions seems to be a uniquely human behavior, not observed in other animals.

 

Researchers are still seeking to understand the full purpose and biological origins of emotional tearing. Some theories suggest it helps release built up stress hormones or signals a need for social support and care.

 

Compared to other tear types, emotional tears contain more protein and manganese, an element involved in hormone regulation. They also have higher levels of prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and the endorphin leucine-enkephalin. Some scientists speculate these distinct components help modulate mood and relieve stress.

 

Emotional tears originate higher up in brain centers associated with feelings, memory, and thought, rather than through a basic reflex. The lacrimal system receives input to produce tears in reaction to powerful emotions registered in these higher brain regions.

 

 Tear Drainage and the Nasolacrimal System

 

Once tears are produced by any of these mechanisms, they eventually must drain from the eye surface to avoid overflow.

 

Tears in both eyes drain medially towards the nose through a network of small channels called lacrimal ducts or tear ducts. Each lacrimal duct starts at small openings along the upper and lower eyelids near the nose. These openings are called puncta lacrimalia.

 

From the puncta, tears travel down two short straight ducts in the upper and lower lids called the lacrimal canaliculi. The canaliculi join together into a common canaliculus, which opens into a sac called the lacrimal sac.

 

Finally, tears exit the lacrimal sac and flow down the nasolacrimal duct into the nasal cavity. From the nose, tear fluid eventually makes its way down the throat and into the gastrointestinal system.

 

This network comprising the puncta, canaliculi, lacrimal sac, and nasolacrimal duct is collectively called the nasolacrimal drainage system. It serves to continuously drain tear fluid away from the eyes and avoid excessive overflow down the cheeks.

 

In summary, our tear film consists of three main tear types produced by the lacrimal system - basal, reflex, and emotional tears. These fluids protect the eyes but must be constantly drained by the nasolacrimal system. With this foundation on tear physiology, let's look closer at why crying often causes a burning, stinging sensation.

 

 Causes of Burning Sensation

 

Given the anatomy and purpose of different tear types, what mechanisms can lead to irritating pain and discomfort when we shed emotional tears and cry? There are a few key factors that may provoke or contribute to eye burning during and after periods of crying.

 

 Irritation and Dryness

 

One of the most common reasons we experience burning, stinging, irritation, and dryness while crying is that the excess tears flush out the eyes' protective basal tear film.

 

Remember that basal tears serve to keep the eyes constantly lubricated with a moist film containing nutrients, antibodies, and other beneficial substances. This fluid coating is essential for eye surface health and comfort.

 

Crying triggers a surge of reflex tears that wash over the eye surface to rinse away irritants or flush particles out of the conjunctival fornix. However, this rush of fluid can also inadvertently wash away the crucial basal tear layer temporarily.

 

It takes some time for basal tear production to build back up after being flushed out by a crying episode. During this recovery period, the eyes may feel dry, irritated, and inflamed due to inadequate lubricating fluid on the surface. This sensation can persist for a while after crying ceases.

 

The greater the volume of tears shed during crying, the longer it takes for basal tear function to return to normal. Emotional tears contain more biologically active substances compared to reflex tears, so they may be more prone to disrupting basal lubrication.

 

Burning and stinging is the body's way of signaling the eyes' discomfort from abnormal dryness when basal tears are temporarily deficient. Artificial tear solutions can provide interim relief and hydration until natural basal tear film is restored.

 

 Additional Irritation from Eye Rubbing

 

Vigorous eye rubbing while crying can make this temporary dryness and irritation worse. Rubbing the eyes tends to break up and wipe away the remaining thin tear film coating the eyes. This worsens the drying effect.

 

Eye rubbing also directly irritates the conjunctiva. This membrane covering the whites of the eyes is highly sensitive. Rubbing and pressure on the conjunctiva can stimulate pain neurons, exacerbating any discomfort, stinging, and redness.

 

 Infection and Inflammation

 

If you have an existing eye infection or inflammation, crying may further aggravate related irritation and provoke burning pain.

 

For example, bacterial infections like conjunctivitis (pinkeye) cause inflammation, swelling, and sensitivity of the conjunctiva. Allergies also inflame the blood vessels in the surface of the eyes.

 

In these situations, the extra tear production and eye rubbing that often accompany crying can amplify already inflamed, irritated tissues around the eyes. The increased fluid and friction stimulate sensitive pain nerves.

 

Common types of eye infections or inflammation that can contribute to burning with tears include:

 

- Bacterial conjunctivitis

- Allergic conjunctivitis

- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

- Dry eye syndrome

- Corneal abrasion or ulcer

 

So if you have an acute eye infection or chronic inflammatory condition, this can make your eyes more prone to irritation, pain, and inflammation when excess tears are produced. Treating the underlying condition may help prevent or reduce burning.

 

 Contaminants and Microtrauma in Tears

 

Researchers have found that emotional tears contain more biologically active substances compared to basic reflexive tears. Emotional tearing gives rise to fluid with higher concentrations of hormones, enzymes, ions, lipids, and other components.

 

Some scientists believe certain proteins, lipids, and other substances in emotional tears can be irritating to the eyes in high amounts. These compounds may inadvertently cause minor eye irritation and inflammatory reactions, stimulating pain sensation.

 

In addition, the friction forces involved with vigorous eye rubbing during crying can create tiny abrasions on the cornea and conjunctiva. These microtraumas allow tear fluid to penetrate deeper into the eye tissue layers, potentially instigating inflammation and irritation.

 

Overall, the complex chemical makeup and microtrauma effects of emotional tearing might inherently stimulate minor eye discomfort, facilitating burning and stinging in some individuals.

 

 Allergies and Sensitive Eyes

 

If you have allergies or naturally sensitive eyes, you may be prone to burning, pain, and irritation with any excess tearing production.

 

Allergies like hay fever cause dilation of small blood vessels (vasodilation) in the membranes covering the eyes. Dilation leads to inflammation, redness, and sensitivity. Common allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites provoke an allergic reaction on the surface of the eyes.

 

When the eyes are already inflamed from allergies, the excess tears released during crying can further aggravate sensitive tissues. The extra fluid, eye rubbing, and other effects of tearing stimulate nerve pain receptors in the irritated eye membranes.

 

Even without allergies, some people simply have naturally sensitive eyes that are quick to develop irritation and inflammation. These individuals tend to experience greater discomfort with the tearing and friction forces associated with crying episodes. Any moderate eye agitation can lead to burning in sensitive eyes.

 

 Blocked Tear Drainage

 

In rare cases, a blockage or narrowing in the nasolacrimal drainage system can contribute to eye burning when you cry.

 

Obstructions in the small tear ducts or openings along the eyelids prevent efficient drainage of tears away from the eyes. Crying produces an excess volume of tears that cannot be cleared quickly enough through the partially blocked drainage apparatus.

 

The resulting pooling of tear fluid on the eyes can cause irritation, inflammation, and burning pain.

 

Common causes of blocked tear ducts include:

 

- Inflammation from allergies, infections, or autoimmune disorders

- Scarring or narrowing of the nasolacrimal ducts

- Chemical irritation from certain cosmetics or eye medications

- Birth defect of the drainage system

 

However, complete obstructions leading to extreme overflow of tears are relatively rare. Mild impairment or narrowing of drainage structures is more common and can make burning symptoms worse during crying episodes. An eye doctor can evaluate whether a clogged drainage system contributes to your symptoms.

 

 Hormonal Changes

 

Shifting hormone levels during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can make some women more susceptible to eye irritation, dryness, and burning when crying. 

 

Hormonal changes influence the composition and volume of basal tears produced, potentially interfering with normal eye surface lubrication. Hormones also impact mucus production from conjunctival membranes covering the eyes.

 

When basal tear function is altered by hormones, it likely predisposes the eyes to temporary dryness and irritation when excess tears from crying flush out the eyes. Those already prone to dry eye symptoms seem most affected.

 

Oral contraceptives, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and hormonal therapies during menopause have all been linked to increased eye dryness and discomfort in some women. Crying may amplify these pre-existing symptoms. 

 

 Treatments and Remedies

 

Now that we understand the most common reasons behind painful, irritated, burning eyes when crying, what treatments can help provide relief?

 

Here are some remedies and interventions to reduce eye discomfort related to crying:

 

 Artificial Tear Substitutes

 

Using artificial tear eyedrop or gel preparations is one of the simplest ways to find temporary relief from burning and stinging after crying episodes. These lubricating products help moisturize the eyes and supplement natural basal tearing until normal tear film recovers.

 

Artificial tears work by coating the eyes with compounds that mimic the consistency and function of natural tear film. They act as a substitute for lost basal tears to quickly provide moisture and lubrication.

 

Most artificial tear products contain water, salts, and humectants to hydrate eyes. They may also include thickening agents like polyvinyl alcohol or cellulose derivatives to increase viscosity and contact time.

 

Some eyedrops for dry eye relief contain extra soothing ingredients like lipids or oils to coat the tear film, or hydrogels to retain moisture longer. These options maximize hydration and lubrication of the eyes when basal tearing is impaired after crying.

 

To use artificial tears for eye irritation after crying:

 

- Apply 1-2 drops in each irritated eye as needed after a crying episode.

 

- Reapply drops every few hours to maintain hydration as basal tearing recovers.

 

- Select preservative-free drops if using frequently to avoid irritation from preservatives.

 

- Follow packaging instructions and avoid overuse that could cause blurry vision.

 

Artificial tear ointments and gels provide longer-lasting relief between applications compared to thin drops. Experiment to find the artificial tear product with the right consistency and duration of relief for your eyes.

 

 Benefits and Effectiveness

 

The major benefits of using artificial tear substitutes for eye discomfort after crying include:

 

- Provide quick, temporary relief from stinging and burning

- Hydrate and lubricate eyes to ease irritation

- Help restore moisture when natural basal tears are lacking

- Prevent damage to eye surface cells from dryness 

- Reduce need for frequent rewetting while basal tear film recovers

- Relieve symptoms without side effects

- Easily accessible without a prescription

 

For most people with mild burning, stinging, and dryness after crying, artificial tears are very effective for temporary relief. They are safe to use as needed.

 

However, artificial tears provide only short-term relief and won’t cure any underlying condition causing chronic dry eyes or surface damage. Those with severe dry eye disease may need prescription medications and ongoing treatment beyond just replacement tears.

 

 Warm Compresses

 

Applying a warm, moist compress over your closed eyes can also relieve pain and irritation after crying episodes. The heat and moisture stimulate blood flow to increase production of natural basal tearing.

 

The warmth also helps loosen oil secretions from meibomian glands along the eyelid margins. This maximizes lubrication across the superficial tear film once new basal tears reach the surface.

 

To use a warm compress:

 

- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water. Wring it out so it doesn’t drip.

 

- Drape the warm, wet cloth over your closed eyes. Reheat the cloth as needed.

 

- Compress for 10-15 minutes to boost tear production and oil secretions.

 

- Repeat compress applications as needed for comfort after crying.

 

The increased basal lubrication promoted by a compress can soothe and protect the eyes until full tear film function is restored. This helps prevent painful dry spots from developing.

 

 Benefits and Effectiveness

 

Benefits of using warm compresses for eye discomfort after crying include:

 

- Stimulate production of lubricating basal tears

- Loosen eyelid oil secretions to prevent evaporative dryness

- Increase tear volume and hydration naturally

- Avoid chemicals in artificial tear drops

- Provide soothing warmth to irritated eyes

- Simple and easy to implement without any products

 

Warm compresses work best for mild cases related to temporary basal tear deficiency. They help kick start the eyes’ natural recovery after being flushed from crying.

 

Compresses are less helpful for severe, chronic dry eye disease or cases worsened by blocked tear ducts. Other treatments may be needed alongside compresses in more advanced cases.

 

Overall, warm compresses provide a safe, non-invasive way to find relief from burning, stinging, and mild irritation after crying episodes.

 

 Medications and Supplements

 

Depending on the suspected cause of your eye pain and irritation with tears, certain medicated eyedrops or oral medications may provide more targeted relief.

 

These options include:

 

Allergy eye drops - Oral antihistamines and mast cell stabilizing eyedrops like ketotifen can help prevent allergic reactions from crying if your symptoms stem from hay fever or allergies.

 

Antibiotic eye drops - If an active eye infection is causing increased irritation when you cry, antibiotic drops may cure the infection and reduce associated inflammation.

 

Steroid eye drops - For severe inflammatory dry eye disorders, steroid drops reduce immune activity attacking eye tissues. This alleviates irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

 

Prescription dry eye drops - Medications that stimulate tear production or mucus secretions may better treat chronic dryness exacerbated by crying.

 

Omega-3 supplements - Oral omega-3 fatty acids help improve quality and volume of natural tear film. This enhances lubrication.

 

Topical antibiotics - Antibiotic ointments applied along the eyelid margins treat bacterial blepharitis and eyelash follicle inflammation that can worsen crying-induced burning.

 

Punctal plugs - Small plugs inserted into the tear drainage puncta points can slow drainage and retain more natural tears on the eye surface longer to prevent dryness.

 

Prescription anti-inflammatories - Medications like cyclosporine and lifitegrast aim to reduce chronic inflammation in dry eyes that makes them more prone to crying irritation.

 

Oral contraceptives - For women whose burning and dryness worsens around menstruation, oral birth control pills regulating hormones may help stabilize these cyclical changes.

 

Androgen therapy - Postmenopausal women producing inadequate lipids and mucus secretions for tear film may benefit from androgen supplementation therapy.

 

Amniotic membrane grafts - Severe cases refractory to medications may require surgical implantation of amniotic membrane tissue to promote healing and reduce inflammation on the eye surface.

 

Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with an eye doctor or ophthalmologist to determine if any prescription eyedrops, oral medications, or dietary changes may provide ongoing relief between crying episodes. Customized treatment is key.

 

 Surgery

 

For severe, chronic cases of burning, irritation, and dryness worsened by crying, surgical interventions targeting the underlying anatomical issue may be warranted.

 

Potential surgical options include:

 

Tear drainage surgery - Procedures to open blocked nasolacrimal ducts or insert stents can improve tear drainage, preventing overflow irritation when crying.

 

Punctal occlusion - Permanently sealing duct openings with cautery, plugs or stitches helps retain natural tear film on the eyes longer between crying spells.

 

Tear duct rerouting - Rarely, a conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) procedure redirects tear drainage into the mouth instead of the nasal cavity to improve drainage.

 

Meibomian gland probing - Probing and scraping debris out of clogged meibomian glands along the eyelids enhances lipid secretions for tear film.

 

Salivary gland transplantation - If tear function is completely lost, salivary gland tissue can be transplanted to generate tear fluid.

 

Surgery is typically reserved for severe impairment of tear production or drainage not sufficiently helped by medications, drops, and conservative measures. An ophthalmologist can determine if you meet criteria for surgical intervention.

 

 When to See a Doctor

 

In many cases, mild burning and stinging in the eyes accompanying crying is not a major concern, especially if temporary.

 

But you should make an appointment with your eye doctor or primary care physician promptly if you experience:

 

- Burning and irritation persisting long after crying stops

- Severe pain not relieved with self-care remedies

- Redness, discharge, or crusting around the eyes

- Vision changes like blurred sight along with eye pain

- Discomfort localized to only one eye

- Headaches accompanying eye irritation

- Recurrent eye infections or bumps along lash lines

 

These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue needing medical treatment, such as:

 

- Blocked nasolacrimal tear ducts

- Blepharitis or dry eye disease

- Allergies like hay fever

- Conjunctivitis or other eye infection

- Corneal damage from abrasion or ulcers

- Foreign body lodged in eye

 

Don’t assume ongoing burning after crying is normal. See an optometrist or ophthalmologist to pinpoint the exact cause and receive appropriate prescription medication or procedures if needed. Ignoring persistent symptoms risks vision problems or permanent eye surface damage.

 

 Conclusion

 

To sum up, feeling a burning, irritated sensation in your eyes when you cry is very common and usually not serious on its own. In most cases, it’s caused by temporary dryness as excess tears flush out the lubricating basal tear layer that normally coats the eyes.

 

Using artificial tear drops, warm compresses, allergy eye drops, or other conservative home remedies can provide relief and hydration until basal tear function recovers. You may just need to give your eyes a bit of time to rebalance after a good cry session.

 

However, if burning persists even after crying stops, seems to worsen over time, or accompanies other vision changes or discharge, see an eye doctor right away. Chronic irritation with tearing can sometimes signal an underlying eye condition needing proper diagnosis and treatment. Working with an optometrist can help determine if allergies, infections, tear drainage blockages, or dry eye disease are causing your recurring discomfort when you cry.

 

With the right combination of self-care practices and professional treatment if necessary, you can prevent temporary tearing irritation from spiraling into a major eye health concern. Don’t ignore persistent burning after crying – take action to soothe your eyes and keep your vision sharp.

 

 FAQs

 

 What is the most common cause of eye burning when crying?

 

The most frequent cause is deficient lubricating basal tears after being washed out by excess tear production during crying. It takes time for basal tear film to reaccumulate on the eye surface.

 

 Is eye burning while crying serious?

 

Mild, temporary burning during or after crying is usually not serious. But persistent burning or severe pain after crying stops could indicate an underlying eye issue needing medical evaluation.

 

 Do artificial tears help relieve burning when crying?

 

Yes, using over-the-counter artificial tear drops or gels can effectively provide temporary relief from eye irritation related to crying by re-lubricating the eyes.

 

 Can allergies make your eyes burn more when you cry?

 

Yes, allergies like hay fever cause inflammation that makes eyes more sensitive and prone to irritation from crying. Allergy eyedrops may help calm this reaction.

 

 Can an eye infection cause increased burning when you cry?

 

Yes, having an active eye infection like bacterial conjunctivitis can make your eyes more inflamed. The extra tears produced during crying further aggravate infected tissue. 

 

 Why do my eyes sting for hours after I’ve been crying?

 

Extended burning after crying may signal an issue with basal tear production or blockage in drainage ducts. See an optometrist to determine if an underlying condition is contributing to prolonged stinging.

 

 Is it normal for eyes to burn excessively when you cry?

 

No, severe or excessive eye pain and irritation during crying is not normal. This can indicate a potentially more serious problem requiring prompt medical diagnosis.

 

 How can I stop my eyes from burning so much when I cry?

 

Using preventive artificial tears, managing any underlying allergies/infections, warm compresses, and seeing an eye doctor for chronic irritation can all help reduce uncomfortable burning with tears.

 

 Will any eye drops work to prevent crying eye pain?

 

No, don’t use any random drops without seeing an optometrist first. Get properly evaluated so the right drops or treatments for your specific condition causing crying pain can be prescribed.

 

 What doctor should I see for recurring burning eyes after crying?

 

You can visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to assess eye burning related to tearing. They can examine your eyes, determine the cause, and provide appropriate treatment solutions.