There are countless situations that can drive us to tears, from the happiest of moments to slicing onions on a table. We often think of tears as merely being tears, without much in the way of distinction between what makes each tear different from the others. One of the questions that have often been asked is just that, however, are tears shed for different reasons the same? Or, to put it another way, is a tear just a tear? The answer, as it turns out, is no. Different tears shed for different reasons have different compositions, and why a tear is shed can sometimes be determined based on what they’re made of. Today we’ll explore the question, is a tear just a tear?
Tears of Joy, Laughter, and Sorrow
Let’s start with what are technically referred to as ‘psychic tears’. No, these aren’t some weird Whovian invention that can control people or reveal their thoughts, instead psychic tears are those that are shed in moments of extreme emotion. When examined close up after they have dried, some interesting elements are received. Emotional tears all contain the same chemical make-up, including trace elements of the body’s natural pain-relieving processes. It’s difficult to tell if the nature of the tear has an effect on what it looks like when it dries, as so many factors can come into play while they’re drying up on a slide. What is clear is that psychic tears are clearly not any other kind of tear.
You’ve Got To Keep It Hydrated
Basal tears are those that are produced with the purpose of keeping our eyes lubricated and free from irritation. When these tears are shed they’re simply ensuring that your eyes don’t dry out, and that means that they’re constantly being shed to combat the dehydrating effect of air.
Tears Released By Reflex
Reflex tears are those shed to help combat airborne irritants like onions, tear gas, or particularly noxious perfume. When you’ve smelled something truly awful and it makes your eyes tear up, when the air is thick with smoke and tears stream down your face, or when you’re cutting onions, it’s all reflex tears that you are shedding. These tears are also distinctly different from the other two, having their own composition that helps with protecting the eyes and washing out irritants.
Tears are complex structures, and we owe much of our optical health to the hard work they perform. As an essential part of our eyes health, it pays to understand a little bit more about them than ‘they’re salty and wet’. If you want to learn even more, or maybe take some time to see to your optical health, contact Dr. Paul Trapeni at The Optical Shoppe in Smyrna, TN. After scheduling an appointment you’ll get a full optical check-up, including an eye exam optimized for your health realities, and get advisem*nt on how you can help make sure your eyes remain healthy for years to come.
Dr. Paul D. Trapeni JrAt The Optical Shoppe, we're dedicated to optometry excellence under the guidance of Dr. Paul D Trapeni. Serving the Smyrna community since 1989, Dr. Trapeni is a trusted member of the community, bringing general and specialized optometry care to individuals and families throughout the area.
FAQs
The answer, as it turns out, is no. Different tears shed for different reasons have different compositions, and why a tear is shed can sometimes be determined based on what they're made of.
Is there a difference between happy tears and sad tears? ›
The emotion that brings on your tears also affects how they taste. Sad tears are more acidic which makes them taste sour. Angry tears contain more sodium and so are very salty, like your angry attitude. Happy tears taste sweeter, just like the moments that bring them on.
Is it okay to cry happy tears? ›
It's established that happy crying is a perfectly normal thing to do. Not only is it common, but it also has a slew of benefits for our physical and emotional well-being.
What does it mean when you cry happy tears? ›
Crying tears of joy has a purpose. They can help you keep your emotional balance. People who cry from happiness when they're overwhelmed can actually recover better from the original feeling that caused them to cry. You can have two different emotions in response to a single cause.
Why do we cry tears Reading answers? ›
To process emotions
Any emotions can cause tears if they feel difficult to control, regardless of whether they're painful or not. Love, joy, happiness, awe and gratitude can all produce tears, and experts believe that crying can help us process and regulate intense emotions.
Are there 3 types of tears? ›
We cry to protect our eyes, to wash out irritants and because, well, we are moved to tears. “There are three types of tears: basal tears, emotional tears and reflex tears,” explains David Silverstone, M.D., a professor of ophthalmology at the Yale School of Medicine.
Why do I only cry happy tears? ›
You're Repressing Emotions
Happy crying may signify repressed emotions like stress, grief, or depression. Emotions like repressed sadness are a valid and natural response to difficult and challenging emotions. Happy crying may be the result of repressed emotions that have been buried for a long time.
Why does sadness trigger tears? ›
Emotional tears contain more stress hormones and natural painkillers than other types of tears. They serve a therapeutic role, also known as “a good cry.” Emotional crying, which tends to make you feel better, may be a part of the healing process. But experts need more research to confirm this.
Is it healthy to cry? ›
Many people associate crying with feeling sad and making them feel worse, but in reality, crying can help improve your mood - emotional tears release stress hormones. Your stress level lowers when you cry, which can help you sleep better and strengthen your immune system.
What are the different types of crying? ›
Various forms of crying are known as sobbing, weeping, wailing, whimpering, bawling, and blubbering. For crying to be described as sobbing, it usually has to be accompanied by a set of other symptoms, such as slow but erratic inhalation, occasional instances of breath holding and muscular tremor.
You might cry when someone yells at you because you feel angry, fearful, stressed, or upset. If you're a highly sensitive person, you may cry more easily than others because you process your emotions at a deeper level. Hold back tears by pinching yourself, thinking of something funny, or taking deep breaths.
Do men cry when they are in love? ›
A man's tears are an indication of his love for you. If this is the case, his emotions are strong and compelling. He can be crying for various reasons besides the fact that he cares so much about you. Through his tears, he is willing to express his love.
Are emotional tears good? ›
Researchers have established that crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain.
Are sad tears thicker? ›
Psychogenic - these tears are sparked by emotion. They possess a higher protein level than basal and reflex tears, which makes them thicker, causing them to stream more slowly.
Why are my tears white when I cry? ›
Yellow or white mucus balls in watery tears are often a sign of dacryocystitis, an infection of the tear duct or tear drainage system. Other symptoms may include eye redness, facial pain and drainage from the puncta (the opening of the tear duct).
Do sad tears fall slower? ›
Emotional tears have higher protein concentration than irritant tears, which makes them fall down your cheeks more slowly—increasing the chance they'll be seen and solicit care.
