Explain why the eyes turn red when we cry.

In short (click here for detailed version)

When we cry, our eyes turn red because tears contain enzymes and proteins that can irritate the eyes and cause inflammation of blood vessels, which gives this red color to the eyes.

Explain why the eyes turn red when we cry.
In detail, for those interested!

Crying causes a chemical reaction in the eyes.

When we cry, a chemical reaction occurs in the eyes. Tears are composed of a complex mixture of water, minerals, enzymes, fats, and proteins. This mixture is produced by the lacrimal glands located around the eyes. When we experience intense emotions, the brain sends signals to the lacrimal glands to produce tears. These tears contain chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol, and the endorphin enkephalin. These chemicals are released in tears in response to emotional stress, which can help relieve pain and induce a sense of well-being.

Tears produced in response to strong emotions also contain specific proteins called stress proteins. These proteins are involved in protecting eye cells from damage caused by stress. In addition, tears can act as a means of communication between individuals by transmitting chemical signals contained in tears.

In summary, crying triggers a complex chemical reaction in the eyes, involving different chemicals and proteins that have physiological and emotional effects on the body.

Increased blood flow to the eyes

The increase in blood flow to the eyes during crying is a natural phenomenon that contributes to the redness of the eyes. When we cry, the nervous system sends signals to the tear glands to produce tears. In response to these signals, the blood vessels around the eyes dilate, allowing an increased influx of blood to this area. This increase in blood flow helps to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the eye tissues, helping to support tear production and protect the eyes from irritations. However, this vasodilation can also cause visible redness in the eyes, as the dilated blood vessels are closer to the surface and become more apparent.

Inflammation of the blood vessels around the eyes.

When we cry, the lacrimal glands produce tears that lubricate our eyes. These tears contain various components, including antibodies, enzymes, and proteins. When tears spread over the surface of the eyes, they can irritate the blood vessels in that area. This irritation can cause an inflammatory reaction in these blood vessels, making them more visible and giving them a reddish hue. The blood vessels around the eyes become dilated and inflamed, contributing to the appearance of red eyes when we cry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1

Is it bad for my eyes to hold back my tears?

Occasionally holding back tears is generally not harmful to eye health. However, crying plays a natural role in clearing away irritating particles and soothing the eye. Constant suppression of tears could contribute to the accumulation of emotional stress as well as prolonged eye irritation.

2

How to quickly reduce eye redness after crying?

To quickly reduce eye redness after crying, you can apply a cold compress or use moisturizing drops to refresh and soothe your eyes. Be sure to blink regularly to restore natural lubrication.

3

Why do some people have redder eyes than others when they cry?

Individual sensitivity plays a major role in eye redness after crying. Some people have more sensitive blood vessels or thinner skin around the eye area, making them more prone to visible reddening.

4

Why do my eyes sting after crying?

When you cry, the chemical composition of emotional tears differs from that of regular tears. These tears contain more proteins and other irritating substances that can cause a tingling or discomfort in the eyes after crying for a long time.

5

Are my eyes turning red only because of strong emotions?

No: strong emotions are not the only reason why eyes become red. Other factors, such as allergies, eye fatigue, dryness, or exposure to external irritants, can also cause this symptom.

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