Sticky tears when crying

Treatment for Dry Eyes Focuses on Relieving Symptoms

• By

  Shawn Bishop

  June 3, 2011

June 3, 2011

Dear Mayo Clinic:

Could you please tell me how I might treat and overcome dry eye? My right eye is constantly tearing.

Answer:

Dry eye disease is common and can develop for many reasons. Usually, the condition is chronic and cannot be cured. Instead, treatment for dry eyes focuses on relieving symptoms.

To maintain eye comfort and good vision, the front surface of your eye needs to be covered with an even layer of tears that contain the right mix of water and oils. If tears are not of sufficient quantity or quality to maintain that layer, dry eye disease (also called ocular surface disease) can develop.

Symptoms of dry eye disease may include a stinging, itchy or burning sensation in your eye, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and mucus in or around your eye. As you've experienced, excess tearing can also be a symptom. Normally, tears are produced very slowly. But if that process fails to make enough tears, a different tear production system may be activated. And, unfortunately, this reflex mechanism usually produces too many tears.

Before you begin treatment for dry eyes, review your current medications and medical history with your doctor. Some drugs — such as high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, acne medications and decongestants — can cause dry eyes. If medication is causing the problem, a change in prescription may be all you need to relieve symptoms.

Certain medical conditions can decrease tear production. These include rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes and lupus, among others. In some cases, systemic treatment for these conditions may ease dry eyes.

Smoking has also been associated with an increased risk of dry eye disease. Not only is the particulate matter that is released into the air irritating to the surface of the eye, other toxins in tobacco smoke actually alter the quality of tears produced by the eye.

If switching medication or treating an underlying medical condition isn't the issue or doesn't give you enough relief, a number of treatments are available. For dry eyes caused by a lack of tears, the first therapy is over-the-counter artificial tear eyedrops. For many people, eyedrops, used about four to six times a day, are enough eye lubricant to relieve dry eye symptoms.

If artificial tears don't provide enough relief, the next step may be punctual plugs. These tiny silicone stoppers are inserted into tear duct openings, blocking the eye's drainage channel so more tears stay on the surface of the eye. The plugs can be removed if having them in place makes the eyes water too much.

Prescription cyclosporine eyedrops (Restasis) can increase the amount of tear production. However, some people with underlying medical conditions may not be able to use cyclosporine because it suppresses the body's immune system.

If none of these therapies are sufficient, additional remedies — such as moisture-chamber glasses, special contact lenses or permanent tear duct closure — are possible options. Rarely, eye surgery may be necessary for severe cases of dry eye disease that don't respond to any of these treatments.

If the source of dry eye disease is eye oil glands that aren't working properly — rather than insufficient tears — treatment is different. When these glands don't produce the right amount or consistency of oil, tears can become thick and sticky. Using warm compresses over closed eyelids for three to five minutes once or twice a day, followed by a gentle lid massage, can help melt the oil in the glands and move it to the eye's surface.

Antibiotics may also be useful for reducing inflammation in the glands that can lead to oil production problems. In addition, some evidence indicates that dietary supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed oil, fish oil) can improve the quality of tear oil.

Work with your eye care provider to find the appropriate dry eye treatment. For most people, dry eye disease is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment. These therapies won't cure dry eyes, but they should help reduce symptoms enough so that you can be comfortable and function normally in your daily activities.

—Muriel Schornack, O.D., Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Related articles

Soggy sheets, embarrassed kids: Tips for overcoming bed-wetting

"Mom, dad? I'm wet."

Parents quickly spring into action when they hear these words. Changing wet sheets and comforting an upset or embarrassed child isn't fun [...]

By Mayo Clinic Staff • January 12, 2023

Mayo Clinic Minute: Weight loss and willpower

What does it take to make meaningful, lasting lifestyle changes? Some may argue it takes a fair amount of willpower to develop new habits, but [...]

By DeeDee Stiepan • January 10, 2023

Mayo Clinic Laboratories and Helix collaborate to provide comprehensive suite of laboratory services to biopharma customers

Mayo Clinic Laboratories, a leading reference laboratory, and Helix, the nation’s leading population genomics and viral surveillance company, today announced a new strategic collaboration that [. ..]

By Mayo Clinic Staff • January 10, 2023

Sticky eyes: Causes, treatment, and prevention

People may use the term sticky eyes to describe when a wet or sticky discharge causes the eyelid to feel as though it is stuck together. The condition can occur due to various conditions that affect the eyes, such as styes, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis.

However, it is normal to have some crustiness around the eyes at times when waking up.

In this article, we discuss the possible causes of sticky eyes. We also look at the treatment options and ways to prevent sticky eyes from occurring.

“Sticky eyes” is one way a person may refer to discharge from the eyes that feels gooey, crusty, or sticky.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, waking up with some sticky or crustiness around the eyes is normal. This discharge is the result of not blinking during the night and various debris and mucus depositing at the corners of the eyes.

In some cases, medical conditions may cause the eyes to develop a crusty, sticky layer of mucus.

Medical conditions such as blepharitis, dry eye, and conjunctivitis are common causes of sticky eyes.

Blepharitis is a common condition that causes the eyelids to become:

• red or discolored
• itchy
• swollen

It can also cause crusty flakes to appear on the eyelashes.

It typically occurs when a person has too much bacteria on their eyelids at the base of their eyelashes. It can also happen if the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked.

There are two types of blepharitis: anterior and posterior.

Anterior blepharitis develops due to bacteria on the skin or dandruff. It affects the outside of the eye, where a person’s eyelashes attach to the eyelid.

Posterior blepharitis occurs when the oil glands become clogged. It affects the inner edge of a person’s eyelid.

Other symptoms can include:

• light sensitivity
• excessive tearing
• foamy tears
• watery eyes
• itchy eyes
• a feeling of something being in the eye
• dry eye
• crusting of the eyelids

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), without treatment, it can lead to other issues, such as blurry vision, missing eyelashes, inflammation, or secondary infections.

Learn more about blepharitis here.

Treatment

Treatment can vary depending on the type of blepharitis, but it typically involves:

• warm compresses
• keeping the eyelids clean
• antibiotics for bacterial infections
• eye drops
• dandruff shampoo
• keeping the glands clean and clear

Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an infection that causes symptoms such as:

• swelling of the conjunctiva or eyelids
• pink or red color in the white of the eye
• the feeling of an object in the eye or the urge to rub the eye
• increased tear production
• difficulty wearing contacts
• crusting of the eyelids and lashes
• irritation, itching, or burning in the eye
• pus or mucus discharge

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that there are three main causes of pinkeye: allergens, viruses, and bacteria.

Learn more about infective conjunctivitis here.

Treatment

Treatment for the condition can vary depending on the cause.

For bacterial causes, a doctor may prescribe antibacterial ointment or eye drops.

A person can treat allergic conjunctivitis using topical antihistamines and vasoconstrictors in the form of eye drops.

Viral conjunctivitis will typically resolve without treatment. However, for more serious forms, a person may require antiviral medications.

A person should also avoid wearing contact lenses and use a cold compress to soothe symptoms.

Parents or caregivers of children with conjunctivitis should take them to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Learn more about how to treat pinkeye at home.

A stye is a painful bump that appears on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland or bacterial infection.

The symptoms of a stye include:

• a painful bump along the edge of the eyelid
• a small spot of pus at the center of the bump
• a scratchy sensation in the eye
• light sensitivity
• excess tearing
• crustiness along the margin of the eyelid

Learn more about styes here.

Treatment

Treatment includes warm compresses, but if there are signs of infection, it is important to see a doctor to get antibiotics.

Dacryocystitis is the infection of the lacrimal sacs, or tear sacs. It typically occurs just after birth or in adults who are older than 40 years.

In infants, it occurs due to abnormalities in the tear ducts, such as a blockage.

In adults, it can occur due to infection, trauma, nasal abscesses, and bacteria, such as Streptococcus.

The symptoms can include:

• tenderness and swelling
• excess tears
• fever
• thick discharge from the eye
• swelling near the inner corner of the eye

Learn more about dacryocystitis here.

Treatment

Treatment includes warm compresses and antibiotics.

A person can also perform a Crigler massage on themselves or the affected infant. They can do this by placing the index finger in the corner of the eye and rolling the finger downward. It is important to wash the hands thoroughly before and after doing this.

Chronic dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears. According to the AOA, causes can include either poor quality tears or not enough tears. Common symptoms can include:

• blurry vision
• watery eyes
• burning or stinging sensation
• sensitivity to light
• redness on the whites of the eye

Learn more about dry eye here.

Treatment

Common treatments include:

• artificial tears
• conserving tears
• treating other conditions around the eyes causing the issue
• increasing tear production

Several other conditions may cause sticky eyes to form. These can include:

• foreign objects in the eye
• unclean contact lenses
• damage or injury to the eyes

A person should speak with a doctor if they experience sticky or crusty eyelids or lashes. A person’s doctor can diagnose and recommend treatment for the underlying condition, which will help the crusty eye clear.

Sticky eyes are common in newborns and young children. They can occur due to a blocked tear duct. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), 1 in 5 babies are born with tear ducts that have not yet fully developed.

A parent or caregiver may notice sticky substances in the corner of the eyes or see that the eyelashes have clumped together. It can affect one or both eyes.

Although the blocked tear duct will usually clear up without any intervention, a parent or caregiver may need to clean the baby’s eyes using a clean piece of cotton wool.

In some cases, people may confuse a blocked tear duct with conjunctivitis. Anyone who notices discharge alongside red or pink whites of the eyes in a child in their care should take them to see a doctor.

If the whites of the eyes do not turn red or pink, the cause is likely to be a blocked tear duct.

Another cause of sticky eyes in babies is dacryocystitis. A parent or caregiver should contact a healthcare professional if they suspect this condition, as antibiotics may be necessary.

Hot or cold compresses can help soothe the symptoms of sticky eyes. A person can use a dampened washcloth using either hot or cold water for temporary relief. A cloth can also help with cleaning the eye. However, if only one eye is sticky, it is important to avoid using the washcloth to wipe the other eye, as doing this might spread the infection.

Artificial tears may also help in some situations. A person should speak with a doctor before using artificial tears if they are unsure of the exact cause of the irritation.

A person should avoid wearing contacts when their eyes or the areas around their eyes have become irritated. Contacts can further irritate the eyes.

If an infant or child has a new or persistent sticky eye, it is best to take them to see a doctor.

The prevention of sticky eyes is not always possible. A person should follow good hygiene routines when it comes to their eyes to avoid potential infections, such as pinkeye or blepharitis.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends always cleaning the hands before touching or cleaning the eyes.

People who wear contacts should follow safety routines when handling their eyes and contacts. The CDC recommends that people protect their eye health by:

• rubbing and rinsing contacts in a clean solution after each use
• using only contact solution to clean the case or contacts
• disposing of excess solution and drying the case with a clean paper towel
• washing the hands thoroughly every time before handling the contacts or eyes

A person should contact a doctor if they have persistent symptoms of eye or eyelid irritation, such as discoloration or swelling that does not go away.

It is possible that home treatments, such as warm or cold compresses, may work to help treat any underlying condition without the need for additional treatment.

A person should let a doctor know if their eye condition is getting worse even after treatment. A doctor will likely want to examine the eye and determine the cause of the continued irritation.

Sticky eyes occur when too much mucus or discharge from the eyes builds up on the eyelid and lashes, causing a crusty or sticky feeling.

The condition itself is easy to treat with a clean washcloth, but it is likely the result of an underlying condition that may need additional treatment.

In cases of infection, a person may need antibiotics or additional medications to help while the infection clears. When in doubt, a person should speak with a doctor about their symptoms to determine whether further treatment is necessary.

Tears of grief have a different chemical composition

Medically speaking, tears are the body's response to physical pain or stress. Scientifically speaking, this is a secretomotor phenomenon, characterized by the secretion of a liquid by the lacrimal glands that does not irritate the eyes.

Scientists have found that there is a neural connection between the lacrimal glands and areas of the human brain responsible for emotions.

Of course, lacrimation can be provoked not only by emotional, but also by physiological reasons: it can be caused by an infection, a foreign body or a substance that has entered the eye. But the chemical composition of tears during emotional crying differs in that it contains, in addition to water and some minerals, a number of stress hormones that the body produces during a strong experience or prolonged mental stress. nine0003

There is a hypothesis according to which tears remove excess hormonal substances from the body, and therefore a person feels relief after crying. Not all scientists, however, agree with her, believing that the composition of tears partially reflects the composition of the blood and has nothing to do with the discharge of excess.

Another well-known fact testifies against this hypothesis: people cry not only from sadness and severe emotional or physical pain, but also from joy. There are those who, as they say, “have their eyes always in a wet place”: any significant event or solemn event can move them to tears, whether it is a marriage, an idol performance at a rock concert, or the loss of their favorite football team. nine0003

Crying is a release of stress. The lacrimal glands, releasing fluid, do not allow the eye vessels to inflate and cause swelling of the eyeball, there is also a strong respiratory pumping of the lungs, which allows saturating the organs with oxygen and somewhat weakening the sharpness of sensations.

But that's not all. For some, tears may flow as a result of an aesthetic experience, in a gallery in front of a painting by a great master, at the sound of beautiful poetic lines or music. Tears can cause a starry sky or a mountain landscape. This is what psychologist at the University of California Hospital, Ph.D. Steven Sideroff, calls "melting." nine0003

There is another function of crying - social. Numerous studies across cultures show that crying helps us connect more closely with our families, loved ones, and friends. Tears are a signal of vulnerability and, wittingly or unwittingly, are strategically designed to emotionally bind the one who observes them.

Experts agree that women cry more than men, but non-experts are unlikely to argue with that. In our age of emancipation, this state of affairs is changing, but so far many men's tears are disapproved as a sign of weakness that a man does not suit. nine0003

Extroverts cry more than introverts, it's easy for a woman with an anxiety disorder, as well as a person with highly developed empathy, - such conclusions were made by a group of psychologists led by Lauren Bylsma, a graduate student at the University of South Florida (Tampa).

Unfortunately, research on crying is increasingly telling us what we already know about it from experience, and rarely answers the really interesting questions.

For example, why do some people say they feel much better after crying, others do not feel positive changes in their condition, and some even get worse? nine0003

Lauren Bilsma and her colleagues interviewed 200 Dutch women and found that those women who had high rates of depression or anxiety experienced a deterioration in their emotional state after crying. But why exactly this happens, no one knows exactly.

It would seem that there is an answer to this question. Many articles by psychologists and physiologists state that man is the only biological species whose crying is an emotional reaction, while animals shed tears only when their eyes are irritated. However, there is ample evidence that casts doubt on this being true. Elephants are especially common in stories about weeping animals. nine0003 Photo from metro.co.uk

Charles Darwin, in his book The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, recounted the testimony of a London Zoo keeper who watched Indian elephants shed tears in grief. And in 2013, many of the world's media posted a photo of a crying baby elephant, born in the Chinese Zoo and rejected by his mother. The kid shed tears for 5 hours in a row, according to the caretaker, who later “adopted” him.

There are stories of dogs shedding tears of longing for their owner, of baby macaques crying in separation from their mother, but there is no definitive answer to the question whether these tears are a coincidence. nine0003

If crying with lacrimation is inherent only in humans, then another question arises, to which there is also no exact answer: when and how did such an emotional reaction form in us?

Psychologist Paul McLean puts forward the following hypothesis. The vocal part of the crying was formed as a “signal of parting”, which was necessary in order for parents and children to reunite. But tears, according to his assumption, arose when a connection appeared between the structures of the human brain and fire. In the early stages of its history, man was heavily dependent on fire, and his eyes often watered under the influence of smoke. Perhaps, McLean suggests, smoke subsequently became associated with the loss of life, and therefore with grief. The hypothesis does not seem to be coherent, but no one explains exactly how such a reaction actually formed in a person with a sufficient degree of certainty. nine0003

There is an assumption that tears, as a visible alarm signal, appeared at a stage when it was important for a person that another person read this signal and come to the rescue, but a predatory animal could not understand that his opponent is vulnerable, that is, crying with lacrimation allegedly developed as a kind of internal public signaling system.

One way or another, but today tears perform a signaling function quite successfully.

Biologist Oren Hansen of Tel Aviv University, who is also a family therapist, believes that in emotional relationships between people, tears should not be considered something indecent: “Too often people who cry are called stupid or weak,” he says, - when in reality the tears are just related to their feelings. They generally want sympathy and hugs." nine0003

Should tears be suppressed?

Psychologist S. Sideroff believes that this is a bad habit, which leads to the fact that by suppressing the inner need to respond to an emotion, a person begins to ignore his own feelings, and this is the path to depression. Sadness and pain must be acknowledged, they do not need to be ashamed. Denying ourselves crying, we transfer emotional pain to the somatic level.

The British psychiatrist Henry Maudsley said it well: "Grief that has no outlet in tears makes the internal organs sob. " nine0003

Sources:

Why We Cry: The Truth About Tearing Up

Do animals cry?

causes, symptoms of which can be, methods of treatment for impaired drainage of tears

Ophthalmological clinic

Moscow

st. Marksistskaya, 3, building 1

Mon 9:00-17:00, Tue-Sat 9:00-20:00, Sun 9:00-18:00

+7 (495) 620-35- 55

Request a call back

+7 (495) 620-35-55