Why Do We Cry? Understanding Our Tears
Have you ever wondered why water comes out of our eyes when we feel sad, tired, or frustrated, or even when we’re not sad at all? What purpose do tears serve?
Crying is a unique and complex human behavior, the only physiological function exclusive to humans. Tears are incredibly beneficial; they enable clear vision, cleanse the eyes of debris, and express a wide range of emotions.
It may surprise you to learn that not all tears are composed of the same substances. The fluid that fills our eyes daily is truly remarkable. Tears are complex; we produce three distinct types, each with a specific function. Without these three types of tears, our vision of life would indeed be much less clear.
Basal Tears
Basal tears are the fundamental tears that coat our eyes throughout the day. They provide continuous moisture and lubrication, facilitated by the blinking motion of our eyelids.
Produced by the lacrimal glands, basal tears are chemically distinct from other tear types and keep the eyes moist, ensuring a smooth corneal surface and protection from irritants. Composed of oil, mucus, water, and salt, they are essential for preventing dryness and maintaining a basic level of lubrication necessary for normal eye functioning. The oil component helps to keep the tears stable on the eye’s surface, preventing evaporation. Present always, these tears are crucial for the protection, nourishment, and lubrication of the eyes. Blinking helps distribute these tears uniformly across the eye, enhancing vision and focus.
Reflex or Irritant tears
Reflex or irritant tears are the body’s natural response to cleanse the eyes of irritants. These tears are produced in response to various irritants such as wind, smoke, airborne dust, onion fumes, or spicy foods, with the goal of washing them away. The glands beneath your eyebrows produce these tears in large quantities to expel irritants like dust when you are peeling onions or even when vomiting. They are the tears that stream down your face during severe allergic reactions. Reflex tears are released in greater volume than basal tears and may contain additional antibodies to combat bacteria, effectively clearing out any irritating substances.
Psychic Or Emotional Tears
Emotional tears are linked to intense feelings and arise from joy, sadness, fear, grief, or anger. These tears can spill over and stream down our cheeks, a phenomenon exclusive to humans. Psychic tears are produced by the lacrimal gland, which is connected to the brain’s emotional control center. Activation of specific receptors in the limbic system by emotions triggers the lacrimal gland, leading to crying. Emotional tears differ chemically from lubricating tears, with higher concentrations of hormones, especially corticotropin, a stress-related hormone. Crying helps reduce stress hormone levels in the body, which is why people often feel calmer or more relaxed after crying. Psychic tears also contain manganese, a hormone that helps regulate moods, potassium, which is an electrolyte, and natural painkillers.
What Are Tears Made Of?
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands located above our eyes and consist of water, lipids, enzymes, and electrolytes. Although the composition varies among different types of tears, they all share a three-layered structure:
• The inner mucus layer acts as an adhesive to keep the tear attached to the eye’s outer layer cornea.
• The middle water layer—the thickest layer—provides moisture and protection against bacteria and nourishment to the eye tissues.
• The outer lipid layer—This oily layer prevents tears from drying out too quickly and ensures the smoothness of the eye’s surface.
Do Tears Help with Vision?
Tears play a vital role in maintaining good vision and eye health. The eye’s normal surface is coated with a tear film layer, which is the eye’s first refractive surface, focusing light. Keeping a stable and healthy tear film is critical for clear vision. At Wise Eyes Optical, our professional team of eye care specialists provides a seamless eye exam experience and assists you on your journey to better vision.
Is It Possible to Run Out of Tears?
You cannot “run out” of tears since tear production is continuous. Your eyes constantly produce basal tears for moisture; additional tears are produced in response to emotional states or external irritants. However, certain conditions can lead to a significant reduction in basal tear production. The most common cause is aging, but other factors could include menopause or certain medical conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.
How Much Crying Is Considered Normal?
Crying is a natural behavior triggered by various emotional, physical, and chemical responses in the body. However, crying too much or too little can potentially harm your eyes if not addressed. Abnormal conditions may include:
• Excessive Tears
The small openings at the inner corners of your eyelids serve as drains. Colds can cause these drains to swell and block, leading to tears spilling over onto your face. Additionally, if your tear glands produce insufficient oil for the basal tear mixture, it can result in continuous tearing.
• Dry Eyes
Insufficient tear production leads to an unstable tear film and subsequent deterioration of the ocular surface due to water loss. As we age, tear production naturally decreases. Approximately 6.8% of adults suffer from dry eyes, with the likelihood increasing with age. Eyes may also become temporarily dry due to environmental conditions or diseases. Certain medications and cancer treatments can also lead to dry eyes. While pharmacies offer various artificial tears for dry eye treatment, it is advisable to consult a doctor for appropriate treatments for any eye conditions and their underlying causes if the condition persists.
What Should You Do If Your Eyes Feel Dry?
If you experience dry eyes, it’s advisable to consult a doctor. You can discuss with them whether any medications you’re taking might be worsening your dry eyes, such as antihistamines or over-the-counter cold decongestants like pseudoephedrine.
They can also assess if you have any systemic diseases linked to dry eyes, including autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome, Bell’s palsy, or multiple sclerosis.
• For mild dry eyes, a doctor might suggest:
o Using preservative-containing artificial tears up to four times a day
o Applying lubricating ointment before sleep
o Applying warm compresses
o Massaging the eyelids
• For moderately dry eyes, they may recommend all the above, plus the use of punctal plugs to block the tear ducts on your lower eyelids.
• For severely dry eyes, the doctor may suggest previous treatments and prescription medications like cyclosporine to stimulate your tear production.
In addition, using a humidifier or wearing moisture shields can help maintain a moist environment for your eyes.
Safeguard your vision by scheduling an appointment with Wise Eyes Optical’s professionals. Be sure to mention any symptoms of dry eyes so that your doctor can offer the best advice for alleviating them.
Seeking Help
It’s important to remember that tears serve a purpose, and there’s no reason to suppress them. However, if you experience irritation, itchiness, redness, or swelling in your eyes, or if you find yourself crying frequently without an apparent cause, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They can help identify any underlying issues, such as an eye infection or another condition that may require treatment.
For additional guidance on reducing dry eye syndrome or if you’re currently suffering from dry eyes and require support, feel free to contact our skilled team at Wise Eyes Optical. Your well-being is our priority.
Contact Wise Eyes Optical
Central Pennsylvania’s Hometown Vision Center
Your neighborhood Wise Eyes Optical is committed to ensuring you enjoy the clearest vision possible. Our services include comprehensive eye and vision care, medical eye treatments, personalized eyeglass and contact lens fittings, eyeglass repairs, and more. For inquiries or additional information, please contact your local Central Pennsylvania Wise Eyes Optical office. For assistance, call (717) 242-1915.
