Haemolacria, or crying blood, is a rare condition that is not usually a cause for concern.
Blood in tears can occur with eye injuries ornosebleeds.
Other causes include medications, blood disorders, uncontrolledhigh blood pressure, hormonal changes, ortumors.
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How Are Tears Produced?
The tear-producingnasolacrimalsystem is composed of several parts.
The lacrimal gland is a large gland located under the eyelid thatsecretes tearsonto the surface of the eye.
Its function is to deliver tears to the eye’s surface.
There are also tiny glands embedded in the eyelid that produce tears.
These puncta are small holes that are easily seen on the surface of the eyelid margin.
Each punctum has a small tube, orcanaliculus, that leads to the nasolacrimal sac.
The nasolacrimal sac and its duct open into the nose.
Within the conjunctiva is a meshwork of blood vessels.
The puncta are small holes in which the tears drain.
The puncta drain into the lacrimal sac and then onto the lacrimal canal and into the nose.
This is why your nose gets congested when you cry.
Medications
Conditions that require taking blood thinners can also cause people to have bloody tears.
This may include aspirin orheparin.
Blood Disorders
Blood disorders, includinghemophilia, can cause excessive bleeding due to clotting problems.
People suffering from hemophilia may bruise or bleed easily.
This can show up in the eyes as bloody tears.
Patients who have frequent bruising or bleeding should be evaluated by their internist or primary care physician.
A pyogenic granuloma can occur from an injury, bug bite, or inflammation.
Pyogenic granulomas also occur commonly during pregnancy due to hormone changes in the body.
Other cancers of the lacrimal sac, lacrimal gland, or the conjunctiva can also produce bloody tears.
These are very serious conditions that require prompt treatment.
In most cases, what occurs is a broken blood vessel in the conjunctiva or in the nasal tissue.
Because blood pressure is high, bleeding can be excessive.
However, once the high blood pressure is brought down with medication, the bloody tears will stop.
Hormonal Changes
Studies have documented haemolacria during menstruation, or periods.
The bleeding is most likely triggered by hormonal changes.
Usually, the blood in tears is found in small amounts.
No scientific explanation has been discovered for this rare phenomenon.
They will thoroughly examine your eye and may do some imaging or other tests to help identify the cause.
Treatment
The treatment for bloody tears will depend on the underlying cause.
For example, medications may be prescribed for high blood pressure or radiation may be recommended for eye melanoma.
In some cases, haemolacria may only require some monitoring until it clears on its own.
Your healthcare provider may also flush your eye and prescribe medications, such as antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Summary
Blood in tears, medically known as haemolacria, is a rare condition.
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