When we hurt ourselves as children, adults would say, “Don't cry, hold back your tears.” As adults, in moments of distress, we often tilt our heads back, take deep breaths, and fight to keep the tears welling up from falling.

Have you ever wondered where those tears we successfully hold back end up?

Today, let's uncover this little physiological mystery together—and the answer is closely tied to the health of your eyes.

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Where do tears go?

In fact, our eyes conceal an ingenious “drainage system”—an internal passageway connecting the eye directly to the nasal cavity, medically known as the lacrimal duct.

Normally, when we blink, a small amount of tears is evenly distributed to moisten the eyeball. Excess tears then flow through two tiny points at the inner corners of the eyes (like two “drainage outlets”) into the lacrimal ducts and lacrimal sac, finally quietly draining into the nasal cavity via the nasolacrimal duct.

So when you hold back tears, they don't vanish—they simply change course, silently flowing from your eyes into your nose and throat. This explains why we often “cry and sniffle” when we weep, and why holding back tears leaves a faint salty sting at the back of your throat—the taste of tears.

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When tear ducts become blocked, tears overflow outward

Our tear ducts are highly delicate and prone to issues. If inflammation, aging, or congenital factors cause narrowing or blockage, tears cannot drain normally. Once they accumulate, they overflow from the eye socket.

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This is the classic sign of tear duct obstruction: frequent, unexplained tearing without sadness, especially noticeable in windy or cold conditions.

Beyond inexplicable tearing, symptoms may include sticky or pus-like discharge in the inner corner of the eye, mucus oozing when gently pressing the inner canthus, and occasional eye redness.

If left untreated long-term, tears stagnating in the lacrimal sac can foster bacterial growth, potentially developing into chronic dacryocystitis. This not only exacerbates tearing and discharge but also creates a chronic infection site near the eye, warranting serious attention.

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What to do if your tear duct is blocked?

If diagnosed with a blocked tear duct, don't worry. Depending on the location and severity of the blockage, several treatment options are available:

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Key point: For specific treatment selection, consult a professional ophthalmology clinic. Doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan based on factors like the blockage location, severity, presence of infection, and age.

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Early Spring Eye Care Tips: Shield Your Eyes from Spring Irritants

Early spring brings sudden warmth followed by chilly snaps, gusty winds, and fluctuating temperatures. These conditions can irritate the ocular surface and disrupt tear circulation—explaining why many experience unexplained tearing, dryness, and itching when facing spring breezes. Here’s how to protect your eyes:

Wear Eyewear When Outdoors

Protective eyewear—whether goggles shielding against wind and dust or regular frames—effectively reduces direct eye irritation from spring winds, pollen, and dust.

Properly Wipe Away Tears

Gently dab upward with a clean tissue, avoiding vigorous rubbing.

Maintain Eye Hygiene

Refrain from rubbing your eyes. Keep the eye area clean to minimize exposure to allergens like pollen and dust mites.

Watch for warning signs. If unexplained tearing persists without relief, or is accompanied by itching, redness, swelling, or increased discharge, seek prompt examination at a professional ophthalmic clinic.

Tears are a gentle expression of emotion—not a springtime nuisance. Those unbidden tears in the breeze may be your eyes' quiet warning. May your eyes remain clear and bright, freely enjoying the spring sunshine.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)