Why Do My Tears Burn My Eyes?
We cry for various reasons. It can be because we’re sad, happy, scared, empathetic, or even when we’re chopping an onion. Different emotions and experiences can make us cry.
Tears play an important role in maintaining healthy eyes. They lubricate our eyes, wash out foreign objects, and provide protection. Tears also allow us to express our emotions and can sometimes indicate when something is wrong in our bodies. Surprisingly, studies suggest that on average, we produce 15-30 gallons of tears each year!
Feeling a burning sensation when we cry is common, but if it persists for a long time or happens frequently, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. If you experience this, it’s important to consult a doctor. Let’s explore the possible causes of burning tears and what steps you can take if it occurs.
Health Benefits of Tears
Overall, letting it all out has plenty of perks for your physical and mental health.
- It cleanses the unpleasant things.
- It keeps away the negative things.
- It helps you get rid of stress, literally.
- It prevents dry eyes. It improves your mood.
- It’s a way to release emotions.
- It strengthens your connections with others. It reduces pain.
- It helps you deal with grief. It restores emotional stability.
- It’s a way to seek help indirectly.
Why Do My Tears Burn My Eyes?

There are various reasons why your tears may feel like they’re burning. Some common causes include:
- Blepharitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation of the eyelids, leading to discomfort and burning sensations in the eyes.
- Allergies: Seasonal or environmental factors such as smoke, mold, dust, or pets can trigger allergic reactions that affect your eyes.
- Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke or other irritating substances can also cause your tears to feel like they’re burning.
- Sweat: Sweating or the chemicals found in makeup or other facial products can irritate your eyes.
- Dry eyes: This can occur due to certain medications, hormonal changes, or when wearing contact lenses.
So, What Are The Treatment For Burning Tears
There are several simple home remedies you can try if you’re wondering why your tears burn. These remedies include:
- Artificial tears: You can use lubricating eye drops that you can buy without a prescription to help with dryness and make your eyes feel better.
- Put a warm cloth on your eyes when they’re closed. It can help decrease swelling and make you feel better.
- Cold compress: If your eyes feel like they’re burning because of allergies or irritation, putting a cold cloth or ice pack on them can soothe the swelling.
- Avoid things that annoy you: Figure out and stay away from any things in your surroundings that might be causing the uncomfortable feeling, like smoke or powerful chemicals.
- Maintain good eye cleanliness: Keep your eyelids clean by gently washing them with a mild cleaning solution or by using baby shampoo mixed with warm water.
- Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated, as this can help your eyes stay moist.
When to See Your Doctor
Experiencing occasional eye burning when you cry is usually not something to worry about. However, if it happens often or causes a lot of discomfort, it’s best to see a doctor.
Continual tearing up or burning could be a sign of an underlying eye condition that needs medical attention. If you’re already taking medication for an existing eye condition, it’s important to keep following your treatment plan to prevent more problems.
If you try home remedies or treatments you can buy without a prescription but your symptoms keep going or get worse, it’s recommended to contact your doctor for more evaluation and guidance. They can give you suitable advice and support based on your specific situation.
Conclusion
The stinging feeling normally goes away when the tears stop. But if you always have very painful or strong stinging when you cry, it might mean there is a problem with your eyes.
If your symptoms continue even after trying things at home and using medicines that can be bought without a prescription, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They can check and help you with your specific worries.