Swollen Eyes from Crying

Tears are basically water-based salty secretions which contain sodium in them. These secretions do the job of keeping the cornea and the surface of the eye, which is a very thin membrane, known as conjunctiva, moist and clean. The tears and related secretions also play a very important role, in keeping the eye dust-free, and the conjunctiva, transparent. These tears that keep the eyes in a good shape, are commonly known as basal tears.

Why do Tears Lead to Swollen Eyes?

The tears that we experience when we cry are known as reflex tears. The reflex tears are a response by the nervous system, as a reaction to strong emotions. Tears originate from the tear glands, also known as lacrimal glands, which are situated on the upper and outer corners of the eye lids. When we cry, the tears that flow on to the cheeks, often accumulate below the eye.

The first reason for having swollen or puffy eyes from crying, is the generation of tears tends to put a considerable tension or pressure on the lacrimal glands that causes the eyelids to swell up and become red. The second reason is that the tears contain a lot of salt and sodium, which lands on the skin below and around the eyes. These tears are then absorbed by the skin and muscles. In addition to that, sodium and salt, also have a tendency to dehydrate our skin. This dehydration attracts water from other areas. The sodium and salt also have a tendency to cause a slight irritation, due to which we rub our eyes, and add to the redness and swelling of the eyes. The process due to which we get swollen eyes is totally natural and a very good effect of adrenaline rush. Adrenaline rush is a natural bodily reaction that relieves stress, grief and is sometimes, seen as a result of extreme happiness.

How to Treat Swollen Eyes from Crying

There are several different methods, with the help of which we can fix and reduce puffy eyes. Crying often results into dehydration in most muscles of the face, especially the ones that are placed around the eyes. Therefore, it is essential for us to replace the water in the facial muscles. The first and most simple solution thus is drinking water.

Water is one of the best ways to get rid of swollen eyes. Drink good amount of water and then washing your face with water. The effect of water is that it redresses the balance of moisture that is required by your facial muscles. Sleep is also a very good cure for swollen eyes. Good, sound sleep at night restores the balance of fluids and emotions after the adrenaline rush, which is followed by tears. Another remedy is to use cucumber and potato slices. Just lie down and put slices of cucumber and potato on the eyelids. The vegetables would restore the needed levels of moisture in the skin and would also pacify the effects of adrenaline rush (in this case, grief and sadness). Treating swollen eyes won't be much of a problem now that you know how to use the above, simple home remedies, instead of taking medication.