This Is Why Your Eyes Burn When You Cry

Have you ever found yourself asking, 'why do my eyes sting and burn when I cry?' You're not alone. While crying is a natural emotional response, it can sometimes come with an unpleasant burning sensation in the eyes. This discomfort may seem alarming, but it is often caused by a variety of harmless yet irritating factors. Understanding the reasons behind this sensation can help you better care for your eyes when the tears start to flow.

The Three Types Of Tears

There are three different types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional. Basal tears keep the eyes lubricated on a daily basis, reflex tears occur in response to irritation like dust or onion fumes, and emotional tears come from intense feelings. The composition of emotional tears differs slightly, containing more stress-related hormones. This change in composition can sometimes lead to a stinging or burning sensation, especially if your eyes are already dry or sensitive.

Why Do My Eyes Sting And Burn When I Cry?

One of the most common questions people ask is, 'why do my eyes sting and burn when I cry?' This reaction can stem from an imbalance in your tear composition or from pre-existing eye conditions. When you cry emotional tears, the salt concentration can increase, causing irritation on the surface of your eyes. Particularly in environments with dry air or windy conditions, tears evaporate quickly, leaving eyes feeling even more irritated.

Role Of Environmental Factors

External elements like pollution, smoke, or allergens can worsen the burning sensation while crying. If you're in a contaminated or dry environment, these factors can dry out your eyes, amplifying the stinging sensation when tears are produced. Even indoor elements like heating or air conditioning can decrease the moisture in your eyes, making the stinging worse during emotional outbursts.

Pre-Existing Eye Conditions Can Be A Factor

People suffering from dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, or conjunctivitis are more susceptible to stinging eyes during crying. These conditions compromise the tear film and natural defenses of the eyes, allowing emotional tears with differing chemical compositions to irritate the surface. If you've frequently asked, 'why do my eyes sting when I cry?' and also experience dryness regularly, it might be worth consulting an eye doctor.

Wearing Contact Lenses While Crying

Contact lens wearers may experience additional discomfort when crying. Tears may interact with your lenses, disrupting their surface and causing them to shift or stick, leading to irritation. The altered pH and salt concentrations in emotional tears can also disturb the lens material, resulting in stinging eyes. If you're prone to crying and wear lenses, consider using lubricating drops to mitigate discomfort.

Use Of Makeup And Skin Products

Eye makeup and facial skincare products can contribute to the burning sensation when tears are present. Mascara, eyeliner, and facial creams might mix with tears and enter the eyes, triggering a sting. Some ingredients in these products are not eye-safe and can become irritants when they dissolve in your tears. Removing makeup thoroughly and choosing ophthalmologist-tested products can help reduce this issue.

How To Soothe Stinging Eyes After Crying

To alleviate discomfort, gently rinse your eyes with cool, clean water or use preservative-free artificial tears. Applying a warm, damp cloth over closed eyes can also provide relief. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can exacerbate irritation. If you frequently ask, 'why do my eyes sting when I cry?' and find no relief with these methods, consult an eye specialist to rule out underlying conditions.

When To See A Doctor

While occasional stinging during crying isn't usually a cause for concern, persistent discomfort or burning might indicate a medical issue. If you're regularly wondering, 'why do my eyes sting and burn when I cry?' and experiencing other symptoms like redness or blurred vision, seek professional medical advice. Prompt attention can prevent further complications and ensure lasting eye health.

Experiencing a stinging or burning sensation while crying is often due to tear composition, environmental conditions, or pre-existing eye issues. Understanding the root cause helps you take effective steps to keep your eyes comfortable, whether you're shedding tears of joy or sadness. If this is a frequent concern, reaching out to an eye care professional can provide clarity and solutions tailored to your specific needs.