I’ve been crying a lot lately, like, REALLY a lot. Think ugly crying, red face, puffy eyes, and just non-stop waterworks. I’m worried about whether all this crying is actually harmful to my eyes in the long run. Specifically, is there a risk of blurred vision, eye strain, or any other sort of permanent damage from frequent and intense crying sessions? I’m curious about the physiological effects of crying, like how the salt content of tears might affect the delicate surface of the eye, or how the muscle strain from sobbing might impact my eyesight. Can crying actually damage my eyes, either temporarily or permanently, and if so, what are the specific risks?

Answer

While crying is a natural human response to emotions, and generally doesn’t cause lasting damage to your eyes, there are some potential temporary effects and related issues to consider:

Temporary Effects:

• Blurry Vision: Temporary blurry vision can occur due to the sheer volume of tears overwhelming the tear ducts and temporarily altering the tear film on the surface of the cornea. This usually resolves quickly after the crying subsides.
• Redness: Blood vessels in the eyes can dilate during crying, leading to redness and a bloodshot appearance. This is a temporary cosmetic effect.
• Puffy Eyelids: The skin around the eyes is very delicate. Crying can cause fluid retention in this area, resulting in temporary puffiness.
• Dryness: While crying produces tears, excessive crying can sometimes lead to a feeling of dryness afterward, as the tear film’s composition might be temporarily imbalanced.
• Headache: Crying can sometimes trigger or worsen headaches, potentially due to muscle tension or dehydration.

Potential Indirect Issues (Related to Crying):

• Eye Irritation From Rubbing: Frequently rubbing your eyes while crying can introduce bacteria and irritants, increasing the risk of mild irritation or even a minor infection like conjunctivitis. Excessive rubbing could also theoretically scratch the cornea, although this is rare with normal crying.
• Contact Lens Discomfort: Crying can sometimes cause contact lenses to become dislodged or feel uncomfortable, potentially increasing the risk of irritation or infection if they are not properly cared for.

Underlying Conditions:

• In rare cases, if you experience significant or persistent eye pain, vision changes (beyond temporary blurriness), or other unusual symptoms unrelated to the act of crying itself, you should consult an eye doctor or healthcare professional to rule out any underlying eye conditions. These symptoms would not be caused by crying alone.

In summary:

Crying itself is not typically harmful to your eyes. The temporary effects are usually cosmetic and resolve on their own. Avoid excessive eye rubbing and ensure proper contact lens hygiene. If you have concerns about persistent symptoms, seek medical advice.