long-term stress. It is commonly found in elevated levels in the blood under very stressful conditions. Patients in burn-rehab hospitals have high levels of cortisol, as do those who are clinically depressed. It is the main substance you and your nervous system: How stress affects your body Continued on page two
Symptoms & Signs. Tearing is a normal function of the eye. Excessive tearing, or teary eyes that are not from normal crying, can be a sign of an underlying health condition or disease. The tears of the eye come from the tear gland, called the lacrimal gland, which is located above the outer eye. Tears are composed of water, oil, and antibodies.
1 A stone (lacrimal stone) that has formed within the tear duct. 2  A broken cheekbone that puts pressure on a tear duct. 3  Injury to the bones that hold and protect the eyes (orbits). 4  Infection that causes swelling and redness of the eyelid and surrounding skin (periorbital cellulitis).5  Infection may scar the tear duct.n adults, blocked tear ducts, which cause tears to build up in the eyes, may be caused by one or more conditions. They include: 1  Thickening of the tear duct lining.