NEWS COPY – By Gemma Francis
Women will cry 4,680 times over their adult lifetime – more than twice as much as men, a study has found.
Sad TV shows or books, tiredness and arguments with their partner mean the average woman will cry six times a month – or 72 times a year.
In comparison, blokes will shed a tear just three times a month.
But the study, by the makers of eye drop Hycosan Fresh, found men are LESS embarrassed about crying in front of others, with four in ten claiming they wouldn’t be bothered about shedding a tear in public compared to just a third of women.
Psychologist Emma Kenny said: “While women are stereotypically associated with crying, the results of this study actually show that men are now feeling that it's acceptable to show their emotions and feel crying is acceptable.
“While it is often suggested that women cry without issue, the results actually suggest that women feel embarrassed when they let their emotions show.”
A spokesperson for Hycosan Fresh, added, said “For many of us, crying is simply a healthy way of expressing our emotions, but for some, there can be a more serious reason for their watery eyes.
“Dry Eye Disease can affect many of us and leave us shedding tears for all the wrong reasons.”
The study of 2,000 adults found 51 per cent of women admit to being a big crier – crying often or at little things.
But far from shying away from it, three in ten men are also happy to admit they often shed a tear.
A sad TV show, movie or book is most likely to leave women watery-eyed while men tear up at sad moments or memories.
Other reasons for crying include funerals, grief, and anxiety.
But women are more likely to cry happy tears, with 40 per cent admitting to shedding a tear for a good reason, something just 24 per cent of men do.
And while 64 per cent of women admit to crying for no reason, just three in ten blokes can say the same.
The study also found an emotional 44 per cent of men have cried in public, along with a huge 80 per cent of women.
Crying in front of work colleagues would leave Brits feeling most embarrassed, followed by their boss, strangers and acquaintances.
But almost one in ten admit they would be left red-faced if they shed a tear in front of their own partner.
Researchers also found 64 per cent of people believe their eyes are crucial when it comes to expressing how they feel.
However, watery and red eyes don’t always point to crying, with a quarter of people admitting they are often left with teary eyes after looking at a computer screen for too long.
One in four suffer the odd tear thanks to air conditioning while 38 per cent are left with streaming eyes due to hayfever.
Others say they have watery eyes because of cold weather, when chopping onions and due to tiredness.
Optometrist Niall O’Kane said: “Dry eye disease is becoming increasingly common due to our modern lifestyles and reliance on computers and screens.
“It’s caused by concentration and not blinking as often as we should, which causes dry spots to form on the surface of our eyes.
Symptoms include irritation, redness and watery eyes. Ensuring you’re using a preservative-free eye drop like Hycosan Fresh (£8.99 from opticians and pharmacies) is key to healthy, comfortable eyes.
If you’re experiencing more moderate to severe symptoms, then it’s important to see your optometrist for a ‘Tear Clinic’ appointment, where your symptoms can be assessed and you can be advised on the best treatment plan and prevent potential future problems.”
New specialist Tear Clinics are now being set up to address this growing issue which in severe cases can lead to scarring of the front surface of the eye if left unmanaged.
Tear Clinics will be available at optometry practices around the UK to help diagnose and manage dry eye disease, with tailored treatment plans to help relieve symptoms and prevent potential future problems. For more information on Dry Eye Disease and to find your nearest Tear Clinic, visit www.TearClinic.com
Top ten reasons women cry
1. A sad movie, TV show or book
2. Sad moments or memories
3. Funerals
4. Grief
5. Anxiety, worries or fears
6. Happy moments or memories
7. Tiredness
8. Pain or discomfort
9. Arguments with your partner
10. Pride about children
Top ten reasons men cry
1. Sad moments or memories
2. A sad movie, Tv show or book
3. Funerals
4. Grief
5. Happy moments or memories
6. Pain or discomfort
7. Anxiety, worries or fears
8. Arguments with your partner
9. Sore eyes
10. Tiredness
Triggers for Dry Eye Disease:
Too much screen
Contact lenses
Hangover
Menopause
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Weather time
Central heating
Air Conditioning
Long haul flights
Reading for long periods
Make-up
ENDS
