Your eyes can hurt after crying due to a combination of increased tear production and changes in tear composition. Emotional tears are different from your normal tears.
Why Emotional Tears Cause Discomfort
When you cry from emotional distress, your tears aren't the same as the ones that keep your eyes naturally lubricated. Here's why:
- Unique Composition: Emotional tears contain additional proteins, hormones, and stress-related chemicals that are not present in your usual basal tears.
- Increased Volume: Crying results in a significantly higher volume of tears being produced.
These changes can lead to the discomfort and burning sensation you feel after crying.
Breakdown of the Issue
| Aspect | Basal Tears | Emotional Tears |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Lubrication and protection | Emotional expression |
| Composition | Primarily water, oils, and salts | Water, salts, proteins, hormones, stress chemicals |
| Volume | Small, constant | Large, increased during crying |
| Potential Effects | Eye comfort | Potential for burning and discomfort |
Practical Insights and Solutions
While the discomfort after crying is natural, here are some ways to manage it:
- Apply a cold compress: This can help reduce inflammation and provide soothing relief.
- Use lubricating eye drops: Over-the-counter eye drops can help rehydrate your eyes and ease the burning sensation.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing can worsen irritation.
- Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help your body recover and produce healthy tears.
- Rest your eyes: Allow them time to recover, especially from the strain of emotional crying.
The discomfort you experience after crying is a normal physiological response, but by understanding the reason, you can take steps to alleviate the symptoms.
