Crying itself doesn't directly lower or raise intraocular pressure (IOP), the pressure inside your eye. However, the emotional state leading to crying, especially acute emotional stress or high anxiety, can temporarily increase IOP. This is supported by studies showing a correlation between stress and elevated IOP. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] While tears themselves don't impact IOP significantly, the physiological response to stress that often accompanies crying might. [7, 8] Therefore, the impact of crying on eye pressure is indirect and depends heavily on the underlying emotional context. It is crucial to note that for individuals with glaucoma, where high IOP is a significant risk factor, managing stress is essential for eye health. [9]
Understanding the Connection
- Stress and IOP: Studies indicate that acute emotional stress and high anxiety can trigger a rise in intraocular pressure. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] This elevated pressure is a concern, especially for those with glaucoma, as high IOP is a key factor in the development and progression of the disease.
- Crying and Stress: Crying is often associated with stress or emotional distress. The stress response, not the act of crying itself, may be responsible for the potential IOP increase.
- No Direct Causal Link: While a temporary rise in IOP might be observed during periods of stress accompanied by crying, there's no evidence directly linking the act of crying to changes in IOP. [7]
Conclusion
The simple act of crying likely has little effect on intraocular pressure. However, the stress and anxiety frequently associated with crying can raise IOP, which is important for individuals with glaucoma or other conditions sensitive to pressure changes within the eye.
References:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/anxiety-stress-dry-eye-glaucoma-iop
- Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839
- Quora: https://www.quora.com/Does-crying-or-tears-in-eyes-reduce-IntraOcular-Pressure-IOP-of-eyes
- Total Vision Pacific Eye Care: https://totalvisionpacificeyecare.com/can-stress-cause-high-eye-pressure/
- Glaucoma Research Foundation: https://glaucoma.org/articles/the-role-of-stress-and-anxiety-in-glaucoma-understanding-and-management
- BMC Ophthalmology: https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-019-1075-4
- Coastal Eye Surgeons: https://www.coastaleyesurgeons.com/blog/what-foods-to-avoid-if-you-have-glaucoma
- Practo Consult: https://www.practo.com/consult/eye-pressure-my-eye-pressure-is-high-br-can-weeping-crying-be-bad-for-my-eye-pressure-is-there-any-connection/q?source=socialshare
- American Society of Retina Specialists: https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/26/retinal-tears
- Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324933
