Surreal illustration of an eye shedding a single tear of blood.

Bloody Tears: Unraveling the Mystery of Haemolacria

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Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"When Tears Turn Red: Understanding the causes, concerns, and what to do when you experience bloody tears."


The sight of blood is often unsettling, but when it appears in tears, it can be particularly frightening. Haemolacria, the condition of producing bloody tears, is a rare phenomenon that has been documented throughout history. While it may seem like something out of a horror movie, haemolacria usually has an identifiable cause, ranging from relatively benign issues to more serious medical conditions.

This article delves into the perplexing world of haemolacria, drawing upon insights from medical case studies to provide a clear understanding of the condition. We'll explore the potential causes, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies, offering reassurance and practical advice for those who may encounter this unusual symptom.

While haemolacria is rare, understanding its potential causes and the appropriate steps to take can alleviate anxiety and ensure timely medical attention. This guide aims to empower you with the knowledge to navigate this unusual symptom with confidence.

What Causes Bloody Tears?

Surreal illustration of an eye shedding a single tear of blood.

Haemolacria can stem from various sources, broadly categorized as issues affecting the eye itself, surrounding structures, or systemic conditions. Pinpointing the exact cause often requires a thorough medical evaluation.

Here are some of the potential causes of Haemolacria:

  • Local Eye Issues:Conjunctivitis, trauma or injuries to the eyelids, and nasolacrimal system diseases can lead to bloody tears. Even minor irritations can sometimes cause blood to mix with tears.
  • Epistaxis (Nosebleeds) with Retrograde Flow: Blood from a nosebleed can, in some instances, flow backward through the nasolacrimal system, resulting in bloody tears.
  • Vascular Malformations: Abnormalities in blood vessels around the eyes can cause blood to leak into the tear ducts.
  • Bleeding Disorders: Inherited or acquired coagulopathies (conditions affecting blood clotting) can manifest as haemolacria.
  • Medications: Certain drugs, including anticoagulants, can increase the risk of bleeding, potentially leading to bloody tears.
  • Hormonal Changes: In rare cases, vicarious menstruation (bleeding from other areas of the body during menstruation) has been linked to haemolacria.
  • Infections: Infections around the eye area.
  • Idiopathic Haemolacria: Sometimes, despite thorough investigation, no specific cause can be identified. This is referred to as idiopathic haemolacria.
It's important to note that self-diagnosis can be misleading. If you experience bloody tears, seeking professional medical advice is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

What to do If You Experience Bloody Tears

If you notice blood in your tears, it's essential not to panic. While the symptom can be alarming, it's often caused by a treatable condition. Here's a step-by-step guide:

<ul> <li><b>Document the Episode:</b> Note when the bloody tears occur, how often, and any associated symptoms (e.g., eye pain, nosebleeds, recent injuries).</li> <li><b>Seek Medical Attention:</b> Consult an ophthalmologist or your primary care physician promptly.</li> <li><b>Undergo Examination:</b> Be prepared for a thorough eye examination and questions about your medical history and any medications you're taking.</li> <li><b>Follow Recommendations:</b> Adhere to your doctor's instructions for further investigations or treatment.</li> </ul>

Haemolacria, while rare, highlights the importance of seeking timely medical attention for any unusual symptoms. With proper diagnosis and management, the underlying cause can often be addressed, providing relief and preventing potential complications.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4314/njp.v42i1.15, Alternate LINK

Title: Haemolacria (Bloody Tears): A Perplexing Symptom: A Report Of Two Cases

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Nigerian Journal of Paediatrics

Publisher: African Journals Online (AJOL)

Authors: Ee Oyenusi, Ch Ananti

Published: 2014-11-28

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is Haemolacria, and why is it significant?

Haemolacria is the medical term for bloody tears. It's a rare condition where blood mixes with tears. This can result from various factors, ranging from local eye issues to systemic conditions. Its significance lies in its potential to indicate underlying health problems that necessitate medical attention.

2

What are the potential causes of bloody tears?

Several factors can cause Haemolacria. These include local eye issues like Conjunctivitis, trauma, or nasolacrimal system diseases. Epistaxis (nosebleeds) with retrograde flow, vascular malformations, bleeding disorders, certain medications like anticoagulants, hormonal changes, infections, or in some cases, the cause remains unidentified, which is called idiopathic Haemolacria.

3

Why is it important to seek medical advice if you have bloody tears?

The importance of seeking medical advice if you have bloody tears is paramount. Self-diagnosis can be inaccurate, and professional medical evaluation is essential for determining the root cause of Haemolacria. Proper diagnosis leads to suitable management strategies, which may involve treating the underlying condition to prevent further complications.

4

What should I do if I experience bloody tears?

If you experience bloody tears, the first thing to do is not to panic. Then, it's crucial to seek professional medical advice. A doctor can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the Haemolacria. The evaluation may involve a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and possibly some diagnostic tests. Following medical advice is crucial for proper management of the condition.

5

Is it possible to have bloody tears without a known cause, and what happens then?

While Haemolacria is often linked to various medical conditions, there is a possibility that no specific cause is found, referred to as idiopathic Haemolacria. In such instances, ongoing monitoring may be necessary. However, it's essential to address any potential underlying conditions identified during the diagnostic process to ensure overall health and well-being. Treatment will be based on the underlying cause, which will be identified during the medical evaluation.

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