Why Eyes Swell After Crying

Anyone who has ever cried knows that it can leave their eyes looking puffy and swollen. But what exactly causes this swelling, and why does it sometimes seem to last for hours or even days? In this article, we'll explore the science behind eye swelling after crying, and we'll offer some tips for reducing the swelling and its duration.

The Causes of Eye Swelling After Crying

1. Tears Contain Water and Salt: When we cry, our tears are made up of water, salt, and other chemicals. The water in tears helps to flush out irritants and keep our eyes lubricated. However, the salt in tears can cause the tissues around our eyes to swell. This is because salt draws water out of cells, which can lead to fluid buildup and swelling.
2. Crying Can Cause Inflammation: When we cry, the muscles around our eyes contract and relax. This can cause inflammation, which can also lead to swelling. The surge in fluid produced by the lacrimal glands also activates the inflammatory process, causing more swelling.
3. Crying Can Increase Blood Flow to the Eyes: Crying can also cause blood vessels in the eyes to dilate, which increases blood flow to the area. This can further increase swelling. As crying continues, the increased blood flow and inflammation contribute to even more swelling.
4. Crying Can Weaken the Skin Around the Eyes: The skin around our eyes is very delicate, and crying can weaken it. This can make it more susceptible to swelling.

Factors That Affect Eye Swelling After Crying

1. How Long You Cry: The longer you cry, the more time your eyes have to swell.
2. How Hard You Cry: The harder you cry, the more tears you will produce. This will lead to more swelling.
3. Your Overall Health: If you have allergies, a cold, or sinusitis, your eyes may be more likely to swell after crying. Additionally, if you are dehydrated, your body may be more likely to retain water and swell.
4. Your Age: As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more delicate. This makes it more susceptible to swelling.

Tips for Reducing Eye Swelling After Crying

1. Apply a Cold Compress: One of the best ways to reduce eye swelling after crying is to apply a cold compress to the area. The cold will help to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation. You can use a cold washcloth, a bag of frozen peas, or even a chilled spoon.
2. Elevate Your Head: When you cry, fluid can pool in the tissues around your eyes. To help reduce swelling, try elevating your head with pillows when you lie down.
3. Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps to flush out salt and other waste products from your body. This can help to reduce swelling, both in your eyes and in other parts of your body.
4. Get Regular Exercise: Exercise helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. This can also help to reduce eye swelling.
5. Use a Soothing Eye Cream or Gel: There are a number of soothing eye creams and gels available that can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Look for products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or cucumber.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, eye swelling after crying is not a cause for concern. However, there are some cases when you should see a doctor. These include:

• If the swelling is severe or does not go away after a few days.
• If you have pain or discomfort in your eyes.
• If you have blurred vision.
• If you have a fever or other symptoms of an infection.

Conclusion

Eye swelling after crying is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors. While it is usually not a cause for concern, there are some cases when you should see a doctor. By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce the swelling and its duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do my eyes swell more when I cry really hard?
   The harder you cry, the more tears you will produce, which will lead to more swelling.

2. Is it bad to cry a lot?
   Crying is a natural response to strong emotions, and it is not necessarily bad to cry a lot. However, if you are crying excessively or if your crying is interfering with your daily life, it may be a sign of an underlying problem.

3. How long does eye swelling after crying usually last?
   Eye swelling after crying typically lasts for a few hours or days. However, in some cases, it may last for longer.

4. Are there any medications that can help reduce eye swelling after crying?
   There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can help reduce eye swelling, such as antihistamines and decongestants. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

5. What are some natural remedies for reducing eye swelling after crying?
   There are a number of natural remedies that can help reduce eye swelling after crying, such as applying a cold compress, elevating your head, and drinking plenty of water.