The Obvious Reason Why I Shed Tears

The Role of Tears and Related Diseases

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] Do your eyes sting and tear up whenever the wind blows? Could it be a simple seasonal allergy symptom? This might be an eye tear disorder that should not be overlooked. Even minor tears play a very important role in our body, so if symptoms of insufficient tears or excessive tearing are neglected, they can lead to various diseases and significantly reduce our quality of life. Let's take a closer look at the role of tears, the symptoms of tear disorders, and how to treat and prevent them.

Tears play an important role in washing away dust or foreign substances that enter the eyes and defending against bacteria or viruses. Our eyes normally hold 6 to 7 ml of tears, and every time we blink, tears moisten the surface of the eyeball, lubricate it gently, protect it, and maintain cleanliness.

● Roles and functions of different types of tears

▶ Basal tears

The lacrimal glands continuously secrete tears at regular intervals along the tear film on the eye surface, but this is such a tiny amount that we usually do not notice it. Our eyes blink every 4 to 5 seconds, spreading these tears evenly to keep the eyes moist.

▶ Reflex tears

Sometimes, when peeling onions, inhaling tear gas, or when foreign substances enter the eyes, a lot of tears are produced. These tears, which come out in large amounts momentarily, enhance antibacterial action and establish an immediate defense system to protect our eyes.

▶ Emotional tears

We also shed tears when expressing emotions such as joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. These tears contain more stress hormones and toxins than reflex tears, helping to relieve stress and stabilize breathing and heart rate. Tears shed in anger tend to be saltier because when anger reaches its peak, the sympathetic nervous system is more activated, reducing water content and producing tears with a high concentration of sodium chloride. Tears shed when sad tend to be acidic, giving them a sour taste.

● Why do tears also come out through the nose?

Tears are produced in the main lacrimal gland located at the upper edge of the eyelid. When crying, tears sometimes flow out through the eyes but often come out through the nose because the tear ducts connect the lacrimal sac to the nasolacrimal duct. Especially, Westerners tend to have wider tear ducts compared to East Asians, making tears more likely to flow through the nose.

● Is the quality of tears more important than the quantity?

Having enough tears does not necessarily mean healthy eyes. The tear film of our eyes is composed of three main layers: the innermost mucous layer, the middle aqueous layer, and the outermost lipid layer (which directly contacts the air). The aqueous layer makes up most of the tears and contains various proteins involved in anti-inflammatory and immune protective functions. The innermost mucous layer helps tears adhere to the cornea or conjunctiva. If mucus is insufficient, tears cannot adhere to the eye surface properly, destabilizing the tear film. If the lipid layer is deficient, evaporation of the aqueous layer into the air increases. Therefore, the tear film and tear balance are as important as the amount of tears.

● Why does tear production decrease with age?

As people age, tear secretion naturally decreases. Therefore, many people who did not experience discomfort in their youth begin to feel eye discomfort due to reduced tear volume as they get older. Besides aging, autoimmune diseases such as Sj?gren's syndrome can also reduce tear production.

● Are tear disorders as serious as other eye diseases?

Insufficient or excessive tearing can reduce quality of life and, in severe cases, lead to other eye diseases. Among the elderly, many experience symptoms such as excessive tearing even with mild stimuli like wind or dryness and symptoms of dry, gritty, or stinging eyes due to insufficient tears. Tear disorders worsen during dry winters and seasonal changes, causing significant physical and mental discomfort, so caution is necessary.

● Types of tear disorders and their symptoms

▶ Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when tear secretion decreases due to aging or damage to the tear glands caused by diseases. It can also be a side effect of medications taken to treat other conditions. Severe dry eye syndrome can cause symptoms such as dry, gritty, and stinging eyes, sometimes accompanied by excessive tearing.

▶ Epiphora (excessive tearing)

Epiphora is a condition where tears flow excessively. In newborns, blocked nasolacrimal ducts can cause tears to overflow from the eyes, and in middle-aged and older adults, narrowing of the nasolacrimal ducts can cause excessive tearing. In cases of dry eye syndrome, reduced mucus in the eyes can cause irritation, leading to excessive clear tears without mucus.

● How to treat tear disorders?

▶ Dry eye syndrome

Mild dry eye syndrome can be treated by using artificial tears or ointments to relieve dryness. If symptoms do not improve with artificial tears, a hospital visit for examination is recommended. Treatments may include blocking the tear drainage holes or surgery to keep tears on the eyes longer. For dry eyes accompanied by inflammation, medications to treat inflammation and relieve dryness can be used.

▶ Epiphora (excessive tearing)

In early stages, epiphora can be treated with simple surgeries such as punctal plug insertion or silicone tube placement. If the tear ducts are completely blocked, endoscopic surgery inside the nose can be performed without leaving scars.

● How to prevent tear disorders?

▶ Get enough sleep to promote smooth tear production and prevent dry eyes

▶ Use humidifiers or keep indoor plants to maintain indoor humidity above 50%

▶ Reduce excessive intake of beverages like coffee and alcohol that can cause diuresis

▶ Frequently consume vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and minerals that help tear production

▶ Drink plenty of water regularly to prevent dehydration, as lack of body fluids reduces tear production

▶ Promote blood circulation in the eyes by periodically applying warm, damp towels to the eyes as a warm compress

▶ Consult your doctor when taking medications such as contraceptives, antihistamines, or diuretics, as they may cause dry eyes

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.