A sudden burning sensation in the eyes during or after crying is a common and uncomfortable experience. The discomfort is a temporary physiological response rooted in the complex chemistry of the tears themselves and the delicate environment of the eye. Understanding the biological distinction between different types of tears provides clarity on why emotional tears, in particular, can lead to this transient irritation.
The Different Types of Tears
The human body produces three distinct types of tears, each with a unique function and composition. Basal tears are produced continuously throughout the day to keep the eyes lubricated, nourished, and protected from minor debris. These tears form the foundational tear film, which is a thin layer composed of water, oil, and mucus that maintains eye health and clear vision.
Reflex tears are the body’s defensive mechanism, released in large volumes to flush out irritants such as smoke, dust, or onion fumes. They are created in response to nerve stimulation on the ocular surface and contain a higher concentration of antibodies to neutralize potential threats.
Emotional, or psychic, tears are produced in response to strong emotional states, whether of sadness or joy. Their distinct chemical composition is the primary reason for the temporary stinging associated with crying.
The Chemistry Behind the Sting
The burning experienced is largely caused by an imbalance in the tear fluid’s concentration and the presence of specific biological compounds. Emotional tears contain higher concentrations of certain electrolytes, like potassium, and minerals, which temporarily makes them more concentrated than the basal tears that normally coat the eye. This difference in concentration creates a temporary state of hyperosmolarity on the eye’s surface, which can disrupt the delicate cellular balance of the cornea and cause irritation.
Emotional tears are known to contain elevated levels of protein-based hormones and neurotransmitters, including prolactin and adrenocorticotropic hormone. These compounds are believed to be released by the body as part of the stress-relief process, but their presence in the tear film can act as an additional irritant to the sensitive mucosal tissues of the eye.
Disruption of the tear film’s lipid (oily) layer during prolonged crying contributes to the burning. The outer lipid layer, secreted by the meibomian glands, is designed to slow down the evaporation of the underlying watery layer. Rapid, prolonged tear production can deplete this protective lipid layer, causing the remaining tear fluid to evaporate more quickly and leading to evaporative dry eye. This dryness increases friction on the eye’s surface, which manifests as a stinging or burning feeling after the bulk of the crying has stopped.
Immediate Relief and Soothing Steps
To mitigate the burning sensation, immediate and gentle action can help restore comfort to the eye’s surface. Rinsing the eyes with cool water or a sterile saline solution physically washes away the concentrated electrolytes and irritants left behind by emotional tears, helping to quickly neutralize the ocular surface environment.
Applying a cool compress, such as a cloth soaked in cool water or a chilled eye mask, can help reduce localized swelling and soothe irritation. The cold temperature constricts the blood vessels, which helps diminish redness and calms the inflamed tissues surrounding the eye.
Using preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can immediately rehydrate the ocular surface and temporarily replenish the protective tear film. These drops help stabilize the three layers of the tear film, addressing the underlying dryness and friction that contribute to the burning. Avoid the instinctive reaction to rub the eyes, as this action increases friction and inflammation, worsening the irritation and potential redness.
When Burning Indicates a Larger Issue
While temporary burning after crying is common, persistent or worsening irritation may indicate an underlying condition that requires professional attention. Chronic dry eye syndrome, for instance, means the tear film is already unstable and prone to rapid evaporation, making the eyes highly sensitive to the chemical changes in emotional tears. Crying simply exacerbates a pre-existing problem.
Conditions like blepharitis, which is inflammation along the edges of the eyelids, can also contribute to the burning sensation. Blepharitis affects the meibomian glands, impairing the production of the tear film’s essential oil layer, leading to chronic dry, irritated eyes. If the burning sensation lasts for more than a day or two, is accompanied by persistent pain, crusting, or changes in vision, consulting an eye care professional is advisable to rule out chronic issues like allergies or infection.