You’ve likely felt it before—a good cry that leaves your eyes with an uncomfortable stinging or burning feeling. The stinging you feel when you cry is often due to the unique composition of emotional tears, environmental irritants, or an underlying condition like dry eye syndrome.
Your tears have a complex job, and sometimes the process can cause a little irritation. Understanding what’s happening with your eyes can help you keep your vision comfortable.
What Your Tears Are Made Of
Your tears are much more than just water. They’re actually made of three distinct layers that work together to lubricate and protect your eyes.
The 3 Layers of Your Tear Film
Each layer of your tear film has a specific purpose to keep your vision clear and your eyes comfortable.
- The Oily Layer: This outer layer prevents your tears from drying up too quickly and keeps the surface of your eye smooth. It’s produced by tiny meibomian glands along your eyelids.
- The Watery Layer: The middle layer is the thickest, and it hydrates your eye, washes away debris, and provides nutrients.
- The Mucus Layer: This inner layer helps the tear film stick to your eye’s surface, so that moisture spreads evenly across your eye.
The 3 Types of Tears
Your body produces different tears for different reasons. Basal tears are the everyday tears that keep your eyes moist. Reflex tears flush out irritants like dust or smoke, while emotional tears are produced in response to feelings and have a slightly different chemical makeup.
Common Reasons for Stinging Eyes & Tears
A burning sensation isn’t always a sign of a problem. Often, it’s a natural reaction to what’s happening inside your body or in your environment. These factors can temporarily change how your tears feel.
Emotional Tears & Their Composition
When you cry from sadness or happiness, your body releases emotional tears. These tears can contain different proteins and hormones compared to your everyday tears. This change in composition, combined with the large volume of tears, can sometimes lead to temporary irritation and a stinging feeling.
Environmental Irritants & Reflex Tears
Your eyes produce reflex tears to wash away things that don’t belong—like smoke, onion fumes, or dust. These tears contain more antibodies to fight bacteria. This protective formula can cause a short-lived burning sensation as they flush out the irritant. If a foreign body doesn’t wash out, it’s important to know how to handle an urgent eye care situation.
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Sweat & Face Products
If you cry during or after exercise, sweat can mix with your tears, and the salt can cause a definite sting. Similarly, makeup, lotions, or other face products can get washed into your eyes when you cry. This can also lead to irritation and discomfort.
When the Sting Points to an Eye Condition
If your eyes frequently sting when you cry, or if the feeling is severe, it might be related to an underlying eye condition.
Dry Eye
Dry eye occurs when you don’t produce enough tears or when your tears are of poor quality due to blocked glands. This leaves your eyes feeling unprotected. When you cry, the sudden flood of tears can feel more intense on an already irritated surface, resulting in discomfort like:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Redness
- Blurry vision
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the eyelids. It can be caused by bacteria or blocked oil glands. Blepharitis can make your eyes feel sore and irritated, and crying can worsen the burning sensation.
- Watery eyes
- Itchiness
- Crusty eyelids
- Sensitivity to light
Eye Allergies
Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can cause what’s known as allergic conjunctivitis, which makes your eyes itchy, red, and watery. Crying—and the rubbing of your eyes that often goes with it—can aggravate these allergic symptoms. This can intensify the burning feeling you experience.
How to Find Relief for Irritated Eyes
You can take simple steps to soothe your eyes and reduce discomfort. These methods can help manage irritation from both environmental causes and underlying conditions. Finding what works for you can make a significant difference.
At-Home Care & Remedies
A few simple practices can offer quick relief for irritated eyes. A properly applied warm compress held over closed eyes can help unblock oil glands. A cool compress can soothe irritation from allergies, and gently cleaning your eyelids with a warm washcloth can remove any crusts or debris.
Over-the-Counter Options
Artificial tears can help lubricate your eyes if they feel dry or irritated. These drops work by supplementing your natural tears. For allergies, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops may help reduce itchiness and burning.
Lifestyle Tips for Eye Comfort
Staying hydrated helps your body produce enough tears for healthy eyes. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins can also support overall eye health. Following simple tips for daily eye care can make a big impact. Try to avoid known irritants like smoke and wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and dust.
When to See Your Eye Doctor in Signal Hill
While occasional stinging is common, persistent discomfort is worth a closer look. If home remedies don’t provide relief or if your symptoms worsen, it may be time for a professional opinion. Paying attention to your symptoms is an important step.
An eye exam can help identify the root cause of the irritation—whether it’s dry eye, allergies, or another condition. At Focus West Optometry, we can help you create a plan to manage your symptoms and keep your eyes comfortable. Your vision and comfort are our focus, so please reach out to your eye doctor in Signal Hill if you have concerns.