Why you always shed tears while cutting onions and how to stop it.

It should be understood that shedding tears while cutting onions is just the same with tearing when exposed to smokes or other irritating substances because the eye is trying to defend itself by tearing, hence prolong exposure is not always healthy for the eyes.

Here's why this happens:

When you cut onions, the process releases a chemical compound called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This compound is responsible for the tears and eye irritation experienced by many people while cutting onions.

Onions belong to the Allium family, which also includes garlic and shallots. They contain sulfur-based compounds, such as thiopropanal sulfoxide, which are stored separately within the onion's cells. When you cut an onion, the cell walls are damaged, and the enzymes inside the cells start to react with these sulfur compounds.

● The reaction between the enzymes and the sulfur compounds produces a volatile gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas is highly irritating to the eyes.

● Eye Irritation: When the syn-propanethial-S-oxide gas comes into contact with the moisture in your eyes, it forms a mild sulfuric acid. This acid irritates the eyes' sensitive tissues, leading to a stinging or burning sensation.

● Tear Response: The irritation signals your lacrimal glands to produce tears in an attempt to wash away the irritant and protect the eyes. These tears flow down the cheeks, leading to the familiar shedding of tears while cutting onions.

How to reduce shedding tears while cutting onions

While the tear response is a natural defense mechanism to protect the eyes, there are some tips that may help reduce the tearing effect while cutting onions:

Chilling the Onion: Putting the onion in the refrigerator for some time before cutting can slow down the release of the irritating compounds.

Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will cause less damage to the onion's cell walls, reducing the amount of irritating gas released.

Cutting Underwater: Some people find that cutting onions under running water or in a basin of water can help trap the irritant gases and minimize eye irritation.

Ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation in the kitchen can help disperse the irritating gas.

Wearing Goggles: Some people wear protective goggles or glasses to shield their eyes from the onion vapors while cutting.

Remember that while these tips may help, everyone's sensitivity to onion vapors varies, and some individuals may still experience tearing despite taking precautions

Other causes of abnormal tearing and their remedies

Abnormal production of tears in humans, whether excessive or insufficient, can result from various underlying causes. The condition of abnormal tear production is commonly referred to as "tear film dysfunction." Let's explore some possible causes and potential treatments:

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca):

Cause: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to dry and irritated eyes.

Treatment: Artificial tears (lubricating eye drops), prescription eye drops, or medications to reduce inflammation. In severe cases, punctal plugs may be inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and retain tears.

Allergies:

Cause: Hypersensitivity to allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can trigger excessive tear production.

Treatment: Antihistamine eye drops, avoiding allergens, and allergy medications (oral or topical) can help manage excessive tearing due to allergies.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):

Cause: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of the eye, often due to bacterial or viral infections.

Treatment: Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops (depending on the cause), warm compresses, and good hygiene practices.

Blepharitis:

Cause: Inflammation of the eyelids and lash follicles, leading to poor tear quality and excessive tearing.

Treatment: Warm compresses, lid scrubs, and antibiotic or corticosteroid ointments as prescribed by a doctor.

Blocked Tear Ducts:

Cause: Blockage in the tear ducts can prevent proper drainage of tears, leading to excessive tearing.

Treatment: In some cases, the blockage may clear on its own when you gradually massage the tear dot with your washed hands. For persistent cases, procedures like probing or surgery may be necessary to open the tear ducts.

Stress and Emotional Factors:

Cause: Emotional distress, anxiety, or nervousness can trigger excessive tearing.

Treatment: Managing stress and addressing emotional factors may help alleviate excessive tearing.

Environmental Irritants:

Cause: Exposure to irritants such as smoke, fumes, or strong odors can cause increased tear production.

Treatment: Avoiding the irritants whenever possible.

Neurological Conditions:

Cause: Certain neurological conditions or nerve damage can affect tear production.

Treatment: Managing the underlying neurological condition and providing symptomatic relief with artificial tears or other prescribed medications.

It's crucial to consult an eye care professional to determine the specific cause of abnormal tear production and receive appropriate treatment. Self-diagnosis and treatment can lead to complications or ineffective management of the condition

■ Dr. Chris Uche Iheukwumere