Crying is a natural human response to a range of emotions, but if you wear contact lenses, you might wonder how tears interact with your lenses. Does crying cause harm to your eyes or contacts? This blog explores the science of tears, the effects of crying on contact lenses, and practical tips for maintaining eye health after shedding a tear or two.
Purpose of Tears
Tears are more than a sign of emotion; they are vital for maintaining the health of your eyes. They serve several important purposes:
- Lubrication: Tears keep the surface of your eyes moist, reducing friction between your eyelids and the delicate cornea.
- Protection: They help flush out debris, irritants, and microorganisms, protecting your eyes from infections and irritations.
- Nutrition: Tears provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, which lacks blood vessels.
- Vision Enhancement: A smooth tear film ensures a clear optical surface, improving the quality of your vision.
What Are the Types of Tears?
Not all tears are the same. There are three main types of tears, each with a specific role:
- Basal Tears: These are produced continuously to keep your eyes moist and protected. They form a stable tear film that coats your eyes.
- Reflex Tears: These are triggered by irritants like smoke, dust, or onion fumes. Reflex tears flush out harmful substances from your eyes.
- Emotional Tears: Produced during moments of strong emotion, these tears contain additional stress hormones and natural painkillers.
Understanding the type of tears can help you better manage your contact lenses while crying.
Layers of Tears
Tears are composed of three distinct layers that work together to protect and nourish your eyes:
- Lipid Layer: This outermost layer contains oils that prevent the tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Aqueous Layer: The middle layer provides hydration and nutrients to the cornea and contains proteins for fighting infections.
- Mucin Layer: The innermost layer helps tears adhere to the surface of the eye, ensuring an even distribution.
Contact lenses sit directly on the tear film. Thus, any disruption to the tear film, such as excessive crying, can affect both your lenses and vision.
What Happens if You Cry With Your Contacts In?
Crying while wearing contact lenses is generally safe, but it may temporarily affect your vision and lens comfort. Here’s what can happen:
- Tear Overflow: Excessive tears can dilute the natural tear film, causing discomfort and blurry vision.
- Contact Lens Movement: The increased moisture may cause your lenses to move out of place, impacting vision.
- Lens Contamination: Emotional tears contain proteins and lipids that may deposit on your lenses, making them cloudy.
Side Effects of Crying With Contact Lenses
a) Blurry Vision
Crying can lead to blurry vision as tears flood your eyes, disrupting the normal tear film. This temporary blurriness usually clears up once your tears dry and your lenses settle back into place.
b) Contacts Cling to the Eyelids
When tears mix with the lens material, they can make your contacts stick to your eyelids. This can be uncomfortable and may require you to blink multiple times to reposition the lenses.
c) Contacts Get Trapped Under the Eyelids
Excessive crying can sometimes dislodge your lenses, pushing them under your eyelids. While this is not harmful, it can feel uncomfortable and requires careful handling to retrieve the lens.
d) Contacts Fall Out
Emotional tears can cause your contacts to move around or even fall out if you rub your eyes. Losing a lens in such moments can add to the inconvenience.
e) Cloudy Contacts
Tear proteins and lipids may accumulate on your lenses during crying, making them appear cloudy and reducing their clarity. This can be addressed by proper cleaning.
Ways to Clean Contacts After Crying
After crying, it’s essential to clean your lenses thoroughly to restore their clarity and hygiene. Here’s how:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses to prevent introducing bacteria.
- Remove the Lenses: Gently take out your contacts, especially if they feel uncomfortable or blurry.
- Use Contact Lens Solution: Rinse your lenses with a multi-purpose contact lens solution. Avoid using tap water as it may contain harmful microorganisms.
- Rub and Rinse: Place the lens in your palm, add a few drops of solution, and gently rub it with your fingertip to remove deposits.
- Store Properly: Place the cleaned lenses in a fresh solution within your lens case and let them soak for the recommended time.
- Rehydrate Your Eyes: Use lubricating eye drops, especially if your eyes feel dry or irritated after crying.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While occasional crying with contact lenses is harmless, there are situations where you should consult an eye care professional:
- Persistent Discomfort: If your lenses continue to feel uncomfortable even after cleaning.
- Redness or Irritation: Prolonged redness or a burning sensation may indicate an eye infection.
- Blurred Vision: If your vision remains blurry despite cleaning your lenses, it’s time to get your eyes checked.
- Frequent Lens Displacement: If your contacts often fall out or get stuck, it might indicate an issue with the lens fit or material.
- Signs of Infection: Symptoms like swelling, pain, or discharge should not be ignored and require immediate attention.
Final Thoughts
Crying is a natural and healthy response to emotions, and wearing contact lenses shouldn’t stop you from expressing yourself. While tears can temporarily affect your vision and lens comfort, proper cleaning and maintenance can ensure your lenses remain safe and effective. If you experience persistent issues, don’t hesitate to consult your eye care provider for personalized advice.
Remember, your eyes deserve care and attention, even during emotional moments. Whether you’re laughing, crying, or just going about your day, make eye health a priority to keep your vision clear and your lenses comfortable.
