Tears are a normal part of our daily lives, whether we’re crying from happiness or sadness.

But have you ever wondered why we cry and what purpose our tears serve? In this article, we will explore the science behind tears and take a closer look at the different types of tears and why they occur.

Types of Tears

There are three main types of tears that humans produce: basal tears, reflex tears, and emotional tears.

Basal Tears

Basal tears are the tears that are constantly produced by our tear glands to lubricate our eyes and keep them healthy. These tears are essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing infections.

They help to wash away any dirt or debris that may have entered our eyes throughout the day.

Reflex Tears

Reflex tears are produced in response to irritants such as dust, smoke, or onions. These tears are a protective mechanism that helps to flush out any potential irritants from our eyes.

They can be quite strong and often result in excessive tearing and redness of the eyes.

Emotional Tears

Emotional tears are produced when we experience strong emotions such as sadness, joy, or frustration.

These tears are different from the other two types of tears as they contain higher levels of hormones such as prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and leucine enkephalin. These hormones are associated with emotional stress and can cause feelings of relief or release when they are released through tears.

Why Do We Cry?

Crying is a natural response to emotional and physical stress. It is a way for our bodies to release built-up tension and emotions.

Physical Stress

When we experience physical stress, such as getting something stuck in our eye, our eyes produce reflex tears to flush out the irritant. This helps to protect our eyes from further damage and prevent infection.

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can also trigger tears. When we experience strong emotions such as sadness, frustration, or anxiety, the brain signals the body to release emotional tears.

These tears contain hormones that are associated with stress and can help us to release built-up tension and emotions.

The Benefits of Crying

Crying is often seen as a sign of weakness, but in reality, it can have several benefits for our mental and physical health.

Emotional Release

Crying can help us to release built-up emotions and tension. This can help us to feel calmer and more relaxed after we have cried.

Stress Relief

Crying can also help to alleviate stress and reduce anxiety levels. When we cry, our body releases endorphins, which can help to improve our mood and reduce feelings of pain and stress.

Better Eye Health

Tears play an important role in maintaining good eye health. They help to lubricate our eyes and prevent infections. Crying can also help to flush out any potential irritants that may have entered our eyes throughout the day.

Crying Disorders

While crying is a normal part of human life, some people may experience crying disorders, which can be disruptive to their daily lives.

Pseudobulbar Affect

Pseudobulbar affect is a condition that causes uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing. It is often seen in people with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety can also cause excessive crying or the inability to cry. People with these conditions may struggle to regulate their emotions, which can result in excessive crying or the inability to cry when needed.

Conclusion

Tears may seem like a simple bodily response, but they actually serve several important functions. They help to maintain good eye health, protect our eyes from potential irritants, and release built-up emotions and tension.

While crying disorders can be disruptive to daily life, crying in general can have several benefits for our mental and physical health. So the next time you feel the need to cry, go ahead and let it out – your body will thank you.