Why Do We Cry?

Mid adult woman is crying

We all know the feeling. The sudden onset of tears, the uncontrollable sobbing, the sense of relief once it’s all over. But why do we cry? What purpose does this seemingly counterproductive behavior serve? Read on to learn more about what tears are, what causes them, their role, and when to see an eye doctor.

The Purpose and Role of Tears

It turns out that tears serve many different purposes, both physically and emotionally. For one, tears are essential for maintaining the health of our eyes. They lubricate and protect the delicate tissue of the eye and help to remove any debris that may have gotten lodged there.

But tears also play an important role in our emotional lives. Crying is often seen as a sign of weakness, but it can actually be a very powerful way to release pent-up emotions. It has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood and can even help to boost immunity.

What Are Tears and How Do They Differ?

Tears are like little messengers of our emotions. They can be a sign of joy, sadness, love, anger, or even relief. In fact, tears play an important role in our emotional and physical lives. Here are four things you may not know about tears:

  • Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, which are located above the outer corner of each eye.
  • There are three types of tears: basal, reflex, and emotional. Basal tears keep the eye lubricated and prevent it from drying out. Reflex tears are triggered by irritants such as dust or smoke. Emotional tears are shed in response to strong feelings such as happiness, sadness, love, or anger.
  • Crying is thought to be a way of releasing emotions and relieving stress. It has also been found to boost mood and increase levels of endorphins, which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
  • The lack of tears, or dry eyes, can be caused by several factors, including aging, certain medications, and environmental conditions. If you have dry eyes, you may experience symptoms such as itchiness, redness, or a burning sensation. Tears can help to moisturize the eye and relieve these symptoms.

The Difference Between Watery Eyes and Crying

If your tears aren’t linked to an emotion, you may be suffering from watery eyes instead. There’s a big difference between watery eyes and crying. Watery eyes are caused by a build-up of tears, which can be the result of many things, including allergies, irritants, or simply emotional stress. On the other hand, crying is the release of those tears, often accompanied by sobbing or wailing. It’s a much more intense experience, and one that usually happens when we’re feeling overwhelmed by sadness, anger, or pain.

When to See an Eye Doctor

If you have watery eyes? It could be a sign that you need an eye exam. Your tears are important for keeping your eyes healthy and lubricated. But if you have watery eyes, it could be a sign that something’s wrong.

Watery eyes can be caused by allergies, infections, or other conditions. If you have watery eyes, it’s important to see an eye doctor to find out what’s causing the problem. An eye exam can also help identify other problems with your vision.

If you have watery eyes, don’t wait to get an eye exam. Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Spindel Eye Associates in New Hampshire today.