Why Do My Eyes Burn When I Cry? Reasons & How To Treat

You’re crying because you watched one too many episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” or has someone crushed your heart? Waterworks are unavoidable at times. You may several times have a question “why do my eyes burn when I cry?”. May this post will help you to know more about this problem.

While you’re crying, you’ve certainly experienced some bothersome eye irritation sensations including burning, stinging, and itchy.

Why Do Humans Cry?

Why Do Humans Cry? - This is best answer
Why Do Humans Cry? – This is best answer

Humans have the ability to cry in reaction to emotions. The lacrimal glands, which are placed above the surface of our eyes, create a fluid that causes our eyes to moisten, and this fluid subsequently rolls down the face in the form of heavy tears.

The reason for emotional tears varies from individual to person. Sometimes the explanations are gender-specific as well. According to eye experts, women weep up to 64 times per year, mostly when they lose something or are in a conflict scenario, but males cry 17 times per year, typically when they are separated and out of empathy.

Many people believe that weeping improves their mood and provides solace when they cry out of anger or stress. However, if your eyes burn while weeping, it might aggravate the condition.

Aside from crying, our eyes continually create lacrimal fluid, which is important for eye lubrication, and the composition of this fluid differs from tears produced in reaction to feelings of grief and joy.

Why Do My Tears Burn My Eyes When I’m Crying?

Why do my eyes hurt after crying? - When you weep, the liquid in your eyes expands
Why do my eyes hurt after crying? – When you weep, the liquid in your eyes expands

Why do my eyes hurt after crying? So, when you weep, the liquid in your eyes expands, perhaps worsening any underlying eye problems or irritating effects.

Sweat, environmental irritants such as dry eyes, allergies, soap, or a medical condition can all cause burning.

These unpleasant teary effects are very common as long as your symptoms are moderate and brief. However, if you have a more severe or protracted reaction, it might suggest an underlying health concern. So, if your eyes feel like they’re on fire, you should definitely see a doctor.

Here are some of the reasons why your eyes may burn when you weep.

Why Are Tears Even Present?

Why Are Tears Even Present? - crying eyes
Why Are Tears Even Present? – Crying eyes

The average person sheds 15 to 30 gallons of tears each year, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. (Not really a river, JT.)

Even if you don’t use tissues, tears are important for eye health. They lubricate your eyes and shield your eyesight.

Basal tears (those that moisturize, protect, and nourish your cornea) and reflex tears (those that ward off irritants) aid in the removal of:

  • debris
  • dirt
  • irritants

Emotional tears are not the same as physical tears. You know, the ones that require tubs of ice cream or toast.

Even if you say you were only chopping onions, these tears typically flow more freely in reaction to emotional triggers such as:

  • sadness
  • pain
  • happiness

So, Why do my eyes burn when I cry and what are factors causing this problem?

Environmental Factors Will Hurt Your Eyes

Environmental Factors Will Hurt Your Eyes - Are tears good for your skin
Environmental Factors Will Hurt Your Eyes – Are tears good for your skin

There are several reasons why your eyes may hurt when you weep that indicate a normal biological response.

Foreign Irritants

Why does my tears burn my eyes: Foreign Irritants
Why does my tears burn my eyes: Foreign Irritants

Soap, perfumes, and dust can stimulate your eye’s lacrimal glands (those glands just below the tail of your forehead) to generate reflex tears in an attempt to fight off these invaders. These tears, like actual MVPs, include antibodies that combat nasty microorganisms.

When the reflex tears fall, you may feel some burning. You may endure extended sobbing as your eyes try to wash away the irritation.

The burning and stinging should stop once your eyes have effectively washed away the material.

Chemicals Via Sweat

Chemicals Via Sweat: Crying eyes
Chemicals Via Sweat: Crying eyes

Working up a sweat to that fitness video? Your eyes may hurt from sweating-induced reaction tears.

Chemicals are ubiquitous in our daily lives and may be found in soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, detergents, insecticides, and just about any home item. Some chemicals can induce allergies, while others might cause eye or skin irritation.

Perspiration does not produce tears; rather, your sweat may transport irritants such as moisturizer, mascara, or sunscreen into your eyes. When the reflex tears have finished their work, the burning should go away.

Medical Reasons Your Eyes Burn

Medical Reasons Your Eyes Burn: Eyes burn When I cry
Medical Reasons Your Eyes Burn: Eyes burn When I cry

Aside from common irritants, some eyes burn when I cry may occur as a result of an underlying medical problem.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome: Why do my eyes burn when i cry
Dry Eye Syndrome: Why do my eyes burn when i cry

Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. Many people suffer from dry eyes, which can produce symptoms such as:

  • redness
  • a dry, scratchy feeling
  • blurriness
  • burning

Among the possible reasons for the condition are:

  • wearing contact lenses
  • medications
  • hormone fluctuations (such as during pregnancy)

Dry eyes are more prevalent in the elderly because tear production from the lacrimal glands decreases with age.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a disorder
Blepharitis is a disorder

You care about Why do my eyes burn when I cry? Blepharitis is a disorder that produces red, swollen, irritated, and itchy eyelids. It might also result in crusty flakes on the lashes. Bacteria or blocked oil glands are usually at fault.

When you have blepharitis and are teary-eyed, you may experience several unpleasant symptoms such as:

  • light sensitivity
  • burning
  • itchiness
  • crusty lids
  • blurriness
  • dryness
  • eye-watering

Eye Allergies

Why do My tears Burn: Eye Allergies
Why do My tears Burn: Eye Allergies

Eye allergies may be at fault if your eyes burn when you weep. Common allergies that may cause this response include:

  • smoke
  • pollen
  • pet dander
  • mold

Eye allergies, such as blepharitis and dry eye, can cause the following symptoms:

  • burning
  • itchiness
  • wateriness
  • redness

Other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, a stuffy nose, or migraine, are frequently associated with eye allergies. Touching your eyes or crying eyes might aggravate eye allergies.

Pink Eye

Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) is an infection
Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) is an infection

Pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) is an infection of the transparent membrane around the eyeball due to bacteria, viruses, or allergies. It may also result in infection.

Among the signs of pink eye are:

  • wateriness
  • redness or pinkness
  • itchiness
  • discharge or buildup
  • burning sensation

Because pink eye can be quite contagious, you should definitely determine whether it’s the source of your irritated eyes. It’s advisable to see a doctor about it.

The Relationship Between Burning And Dry Eyes

The Relationship Between Burning And Dry Eyes you want to know
The Relationship Between Burning And Dry Eyes you want to know

Why do my eyes burn when I cry? There are several reasons for dry eyes, but one of the most common is prolonged computer use. Environmental variables, such as air conditioning or wind, are another major cause of dry eyes.

Variations in the environment cause changes in the moisture levels in your eyes.

Burning, stinging, or itching around the eyes is one of the symptoms of dry eyes. It is crucial to realize that one might experience dry eye symptoms without experiencing dry eyes.

If your symptoms appear and disappear during the day, you may have a problem other than dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome causes the following symptoms:

  • dry mouth and throat
  • burning and stinging around the eyes 
  • fatigue, lack of concentration
  • coughing and nasal drainage when exposed to dry air
  • tearing
  • headaches/migraines
  • itching 
  • eye redness
  • worsening of symptoms while indoors
  • blurred vision

There are several dry eye remedies available. Artificial tears, tarsorrhaphy, and the usage of a humidifier are among the therapies available.

If a patient exhibits symptoms of inflammation or infection in the eye, they should consult an ophthalmologist every once.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

What Causes Dry Eyes?
What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye affects individuals of all ages, but it can be more bothersome for those who wear contact lenses, are through chemotherapy, or are pregnant.

Underlying illnesses such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular rosacea, and lupus can potentially cause the disorder.

There is no treatment for dry eye, but you may take action to alleviate the symptoms. One thing you may do is keep your eyes moist with eye drops every hour or so.

You can also use “artificial tears,” which come in a variety of forms such as preservative-free artificial tears, nocturnal dry eye relief drops, and ointments.

If you wear contact lenses, you should consider switching to glasses or experimenting with new types of lenses that are moister and will not bother your eyes.

If your dry eye is caused by a deeper ailment such as Sjogren’s syndrome, you should consult your doctor about possible treatments.

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How To Treat Burning Eyes?

How To Treat Burning Eyes? - Best ways to reduce crying eye hurt
How To Treat Burning Eyes? – Best ways to reduce crying eye hurt

The eye is a delicate organ that can be irritated by a variety of factors. This might include dust, dirt, pollen, and even the home’s air conditioner or heater. Some people suffer from persistent eye discomfort that never vanishes.

If you’re one of the many people who suffer from this sort of discomfort on a daily basis, there are some therapies available to assist alleviate your pain and suffering.

There are several things you may do to alleviate eye irritation:

Wearing sunglasses is the most efficient technique of protecting your eyes. Many individuals use sunglasses even inside since they know they can help reduce eye discomfort.

Use a humidifier: If your house has an air conditioner or heater, a humidifier can help lessen the dryness in the air. This will make it simpler to inhale and will prevent your eyes from drying out.

Home Remedies

Home Remedies to get rid of hurting eye
Home Remedies to get rid of hurting eye

Stop right there if your burning eyes are making you want to cry some more. These at-home methods may provide the needed relief:

  • Keeping it cold (or hot. Applying a warm or cool compress to your closed lids may provide relief.
  • Flushing your eyes with saline solution or fake tear eyedrops may assist. It’s best to avoid using tap water since it might include germs and other nastiness that you don’t want in your eyes.
  • Cleaning the area around your eyes gently with a warm washcloth will provide instant comfort.
  • Humidifiers for the home. Dryness in the region might exacerbate problems. A humidifier can add moisture to the air and provide comfort for your eyes.

OTC Medications

OTC Medications - final way to reduce hurting eyes when crying
OTC Medications – final way to reduce hurting eyes when crying

If those don’t work, you might need some over-the-counter (OTC) help from one of the following:

  • Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines may help with moderate to severe eye allergies. (Be cautious: the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology warns that oral antihistamines may aggravate dry eyes.)
  • Artificial tears: These aren’t for making someone feel sorry for you. Artificial tears are available at any drugstore and are most effective for dry eyes, blepharitis, and eye allergies.
  • OTC eye drops: OTC eye drops can also help with eye allergies, but you need to choose suitable eye drops to avoid eye drops burn.
  • Ointments or gels: Moisturizing the delicate skin near the eyes might help alleviate discomfort. Look for ointments or gels that are specifically designed for the eye region.

Prescription Medications

Prescription Medications can also assist
Prescription Medications can also assist

Prescription medications can also assist, especially if your burning eyes are caused by a medical condition.

If your eye problems need an appointment with the doctor, they may prescribe:

  • Antihistamine prescription: If you have a severe allergic response, your doctor might prescribe an antihistamine to heal your eyes.
  • Decongestants: Decongestants are medications that are occasionally used to diminish redness.
  • Steroid eye drops: These will aid in the management of inflammation in certain eye disorders.
  • Prescription eye drops, such as cyclosporine (Restasis), can assist the eyes in producing more tears.
  • Allergen immunotherapy: Allergy injections can also be used to treat severe allergies.

When To See Doctor

When To See Doctor if your eye problem persists
When To See Doctor if your eye problem persists

When you weep, it’s normal for your eyes to burn a bit. However, if the problem persists or causes severe discomfort, consult a doctor.

Chronic tearing or burning may indicate an undetected eye problem. If you currently take medication for an underlying eye illness, sticking to your medication plan will help you avoid complications.

If you experience new or persistent symptoms that are not alleviated by home cures or over-the-counter medications, consult your doctor.

Final Thought

Crying out of rage and grief, with burning eyes, might exacerbate your condition. Some people are afflicted by this circumstance because of their physical health, while others are affected because of external influences.

You must determine the reason and potential reasons to answer the question of why do my eyes burn when I cry, as well as what you could do to make your cry normal. The strategies we’ve mentioned to prevent burning can help you relieve your discomfort after a good cry.

If you feel the need to see a doctor, do so as soon as possible, and talk to your friends and family about your feelings and thoughts. Remember that you are not alone on this journey. So please take care of yourself!

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