Why Do We Shed Tears When We Cry?

Our eyes and brain can produce three different types of tears depending on the situation:

1. Basal or basic tears:
   • These are the most common types of tears.
   • They contain oil,mucus, water, and salt, and they aid in fighting infections.
   • The oil holds tears in place and keeps them from evaporating into the air.
   • Blinking distributes them evenly across the surface of the eye.
2. Irritant or eyewash tears:
   • They erupt from glands beneath the brows when you peel onions, vomit, or get dust in your eye due to the contraction of muscles in the tear gland.
   • Theyflushout irritants to keep your eyes clean.
3. Psychic or emotional tears:
   • These tears flow due to strong emotions such as sadness,grief, joy, or anger.
   • They contain morestresshormones and natural painkillers than other types of tears.

Each tear comprises three layers:

1. Inner mucus layer:Helps keep the tear attached to the eye
2. Watery middle layer:Offers hydration and protection to thecorneaand provides a shield against bacteria
3. Outer oily layer:Helps the surface of the tear remain smooth and helps prevent evaporation

Tears are useful because they contain important proteins and immunoglobulins and play a role in eye defense. They have antimicrobial properties due to the presence of lactoferrin, and they wash away foreign substances from the eye.

Crying allows us to express our emotions and overcome sadness. Tear film contains major proteins and aids in the maintenance of visual acuity.

Abnormalities of tear secretion cause various diseases; however, the three most important diseases include:

1. Crocodile tears or Bogorad’s syndrome:
   • It is caused by improper nerve recovery in cases of Bell's palsy, in which people tend to cry while eating.
   • This is analogous to crocodiles secreting tears while eating, hence the name crocodile tears.
2. Dry eye:
   • A dry eye is a symptom caused by a lack of tears.
   • Viral infection, excessive evaporation of tears, change in the composition of tears, and other factors such as old age andmenopausemay cause dry eye.
   • Humidifiers, artificial tear drops, moist chamber spectacles, tear replacement therapy, and good lid hygiene can help with dry eye management.
3. Sjogren’s syndrome:
   • It is an autoimmune disease that affects the cells of the lachrymal gland, eventually resulting inxerostomiaand keratoconjunctivitis.
   • It is more common in women than in men and usually occurs aftermenopause.
   • Other symptoms include muscle andjoint pain,fatigue, and gland swelling.

Tears are a beautiful expression of who we are. It not only indicates our deep emotional links to our world's past, present, and future but also allows us to visibly celebrate that fact. They are scientifically proven to improve your mood, so go ahead and flaunt your tears with pride.

If you are concerned that you are crying too much, too quickly, for no apparent cause, or have concerns about your mood, contact your doctor for a detailed evaluation.