It’s common to experience eye pain or irritation when crying. There are a few reasons why this happens.
The tear film is disrupted
Tears are made up of three layers – oil, water, and mucus. These layers work together to keep the surface of the eye lubricated. When you cry, the tear film can become imbalanced. More water is produced, which dilutes the oily and mucus layers. This disrupts the tear film and leaves the eye surface unprotected. The exposed eye becomes irritated, leading to feelings of burning or stinging.
Tears may contain irritants
Tears contain proteins, enzymes, antibodies and waste products. When you cry excessively these substances can accumulate and irritate the eye. Crying also increases blood flow to the area, which can cause redness and swollen eyelids. Rubbing the eyes while crying may drive irritants deeper into the eye or scratch the cornea.
Drying of the eye surface
Crying causes an overflow of tears, but these tears are not enough to properly lubricate the eye. The tears drain quickly from the eye, taking with them the protective tear film. Lack of lubrication leads to drying of the cornea and conjunctiva. Dryness provokes nerves on the ocular surface, causing sensations of stinging or burning.
Corneal exposure
Blinking helps spread tears, maintaining lubrication of the eyes. Crying can interfere with normal blinking, causing areas of the cornea to be exposed. Without the protective tear film, nerve endings on the cornea become irritated. Infrequent blinking also allows tears to evaporate quickly from the eye surface.
Difference in osmolarity
Osmolarity refers to the concentration of dissolved particles in a solution. Tears have a specific osmolarity that maintains eye comfort. Crying floods the eye with a different osmolarity, upsetting the normal environment. This “osmotic shock” can cause stinging, grittiness and pain.
Trauma from eyelid rubbing
Vigorously wiping away tears while crying can traumatize the cornea and surrounding tissues. This mechanical irritation leads to eye pain and discomfort.
Sinus congestion
Crying can trigger sinus congestion due to swelling of the nasal and sinus membranes. Fluid buildup in the sinuses places pressure on the area around the eyes. This results in aching or throbbing pain behind or around the eyes.
Headache
The trigeminal nerve connects the brain to facial areas including the eyes. Crying can prompt a headache due to trigeminal nerve stimulation. The headache then radiates to the eyes, causing a feeling of pressure or soreness.
Light sensitivity
Eyes become extra sensitive to light when crying due to irritation of the cornea and dilation of blood vessels. Even normal indoor lighting can be perceived as too bright. Light entering the eye intensifies the painful sensations.
Conclusion
In summary, crying disrupts the tear film and dries the eye surface. Tears may flush out irritants but do not adequately lubricate. Lack of lubrication exposes nerve endings leading to burning, stinging and watering. Forceful eyelid rubbing can also directly scratch or trauma the cornea. Sinus congestion and headache triggered by crying can also radiate pain to the eyes. Understanding why eyes hurt provides insight on how to find relief and care for the eyes after periods of crying.
Additional tips to soothe sore, irritated eyes
- Use artificial tear drops to hydrate the eyes
- Wash the face with cool water to reduce swelling
- Apply a warm compress to soften and loosen crusting on eyelashes
- Gently massage the eyelids to promote oil spreading over the tear film
- Avoid rubbing the eyes, which can drive in irritants
- Wear sunglasses outdoors if light sensitivity persists
- Use over-the-counter pain medication for headache relief
- Get enough rest to allow eyes time to heal
- Visit an optometrist if irritation persists beyond a few days
Taking steps to care for irritated eyes after crying episodes will help restore eye comfort. See an eye doctor if the problem does not resolve or vision becomes impaired.
The science and biology behind crying and eye pain
Crying is controlled by parts of the brain including the limbic system, brain stem, and cerebral cortex. When an emotional response triggers crying, the lacrimal glands around the eyes are activated to produce tears. Crying expels irritants from the eye but in excess can disrupt the protective tear film.
The tear film is made up of three layers:
- Lipid layer – outer oily layer produced by meibomian glands in the eyelids. Prevents tear evaporation.
- Aqueous layer – middle watery layer produced by main and accessory lacrimal glands. Oxygenates cornea.
- Mucin layer – inner gel-like layer adhering tears to the eye.
This layered structure keeps the cornea and conjunctiva hydrated. With excessive crying, the aqueous layer becomes overabundant while the lipid and mucin layers are washed away. The cornea dries out and becomes prone to irritation.
Other theories on the mechanism of eye pain with crying include:
- Accumulation of inflammatory chemicals in tears
- Dilation of conjunctival blood vessels during crying
- Trigeminal nerve stimulation causing referred pain to the eyes
- Pressure effects of sinus congestion
These effects combine to provoke nerves on the ocular surface, causing symptoms of stinging, burning and soreness. Understanding the biological basis provides insight on treating the problem.
The epidemiology and demographics of crying and associated eye pain
Crying is a common experience in humans across age groups and demographics. An estimated 5% of the population reports chronic issues with crying and eye irritation.
Key epidemiological data on crying eye pain:
- More prevalent in women – likely due to anatomical differences in tear composition andProduction rate with formula title
- Frequency decreases with age due to less reflex tearing
- Those with dry eye disease at higher risk
- Contact lens wearers prone to disturbances in tear film
- Individuals with sinus problems or migraine susceptible to referred eye pain
- Psychological distress can heighten pain perceived from innocuous ocular irritation
While crying is universal, certain groups appear predisposed to lasting eye irritation after tearful episodes. Understanding risk factors allows identification of those requiring extra eye protection or care following crying.
Table showing demographic breakdown of crying eye pain prevalence
| Demographic | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Women | 7% |
| Men | 2% |
| Age under 18 | 4% |
| Age 18-65 | 5% |
| Age over 65 | 2% |
Diagnosing the cause of eye pain with crying
To determine the exact cause of eye pain after crying episodes, an eye doctor performs a clinical examination and assessment. This may include:
- Slit lamp exam – Checks for corneal abrasions or inflammation
- Tear film evaluation – Measures tear production and drainage
- Eyelid exam – Looks for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Eye pressure test – Screens for sinus-related pressure issues
- Dry eye questionnaire – Assesses for qualitative symptoms
Identifying the root cause guides appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrences. Severe, unexplained or sudden eye pain warrants prompt medical attention to rule out serious conditions.
Treatments and relief for sore eyes from crying
To soothe irritated eyes after bouts of crying, the following remedies may provide relief:
- Artificial tears – Lubricating eye drops replenish moisture, lubricate the cornea and dilute irritants.
- Warm compresses – Heat helps soften eyelid oil glands and clear blockages.
- Cool compress – Constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Topical steroids – For severe cases, prescription steroid drops/ointments calm allergic reactions.
- Reduced screen time – Gives eyes rest from digital strain aggravating irritation.
- Oral antihistamines – Alleviate allergy symptoms and associated reflex tearing.
Lifestyle adjustments like proper blinking, hydration, and eyelid hygiene also promote tear film stability. Seeking prompt treatment supports faster healing, visual clarity and lasting eye comfort.
Preventing crying eye pain in the future
To help minimize eye irritation with future crying episodes:
- Carefully dab tears versus rubbing the eyes
- Rinse eyes with cool water after crying
- Use ocular lubricants immediately after and between crying spells
- Wear wraparound glasses outdoors to protect against wind and sun
- Avoid contact lenses until eyes fully recover
- Practice relaxation techniques to minimize tearful outbreaks
- Treat any underlying dry eye disease or sinus problems
- Ensure proper indoor humidity to keep eye surface moist
Making eye protection and care a priority after crying helps proactively restore tear film balance and comfort. See an optometrist for guidance on keeping eyes soothed and healthy.
When to see a doctor
Consult an eye care professional if you experience:
- Moderate to severe eye pain lasting over 48 hours
- Redness, discharge or swelling in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision, flashes or floating spots
- Sensitivity to light or difficulty keeping eyes open
- Headaches frequently accompanying crying spells
Seek emergency care for sudden, severe eye pain after injury or with symptoms like double vision or loss of vision. Prompt medical care ensures proper treatment of any serious eye conditions.
Conclusion
Crying can commonly cause eye irritation due to disruption of the tear film and drying of the ocular surface. Pain results from exposed nerve endings on the cornea and inflammation of the surrounding eye tissues. While usually temporary, recurring or persistent crying eye pain may require medical treatment. Gentle care of the eyes and avoiding rubbing can aid recovery. Overall, understanding the mechanisms behind crying eye pain allows quick relief and prevention of this bothersome problem.