Book 10, Question 89
Why Do Your Eyes Get Red and Puffy When You Cry?
Your eyes get red and puffy when you cry because crying makes lots of tears and changes the blood vessels around your eyes. Extra tears flow into your nose, which is why you sniffle. It is your body's way of handling big feelings.
More fun facts
- When you cry, fluid collects in the soft tissue under and around your eyes, which makes them look puffy.
- Your eyes look red because the blood vessels in and around them widen while you cry.
- The skin around the eyes is very thin and sensitive, so it shows swelling easily.
- A cold compress reduces blood flow to the area, which helps calm swelling and redness.
- Doctors suggest holding a cold compress on your eyes for about 10 minutes, and taking it off sooner if it feels uncomfortable.
- Keeping your head raised helps the body's drainage system carry extra fluid away from the eyes.
Sources: Cleveland Clinic
Questions kids ask
How can I help puffy eyes after crying?
A cool, damp cloth on your eyes and some rest with your head raised can help the swelling go down.