What foamy tears are
Foamy tears, sometimes described as frothy or bubbly, appear as a whitish, soapy residue that collects at the corners of the eyes or along the edges of the eyelids, often most noticeable in the morning or after rubbing the eyes. They are very common, and in the great majority of cases they are a sign of a benign and treatable problem with the oily layer of the tears rather than anything to be alarmed about.
The oil in your tears, and why it froths
The tear film is not simply water. Its outer layer is a thin film of oil, produced by a row of small glands, the meibomian glands, that sit within the eyelids and open along the lid margins. This oil stops the tears evaporating too quickly and keeps the surface smooth and comfortable.
When these glands become blocked or inflamed, a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction, the oil they release becomes thicker and altered. With each blink, this abnormal oil can be whipped up with the watery tears into a fine foam, which is what you see at the corners of the eyes. It is one of the classic signs that the oil glands are not working as they should.
The link with blepharitis
Meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margins, very often go together. If, alongside the foam, you notice crusting or redness at the base of the lashes, gritty or burning eyes, or lids that feel sore in the morning, blepharitis is likely part of the picture. The two are managed in much the same way, and treating one usually helps the other. You can read more on the blepharitis page.
What helps
The mainstay is simple and done at home. A warm compress held against the closed lids for a few minutes softens the thickened oil and helps the glands release it. Gentle cleaning of the lid margins keeps them clear, and making a point of blinking fully, particularly during screen work, helps spread the oil across the eye. These measures are most effective when done regularly over weeks rather than expected to work overnight. Where dryness is a feature, lubricating drops can ease the surface, and more troublesome cases can be helped by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
When foamy tears warrant a check
Foamy tears on their own are not urgent. What does warrant assessment is a change in character: a thick yellow or green discharge rather than a fine foam, a red and painful eye, or any discharge in a contact lens wearer, since these suggest an infection such as conjunctivitis rather than simple oil-gland trouble. Persistent watering or discomfort that is not settling with lid care is also worth having looked at.
Common questions
Are foamy tears a sign of something serious?
Usually not. They are most often a sign of meibomian gland dysfunction, a common and benign problem with the oil glands in the eyelids.
What is meibomian gland dysfunction?
It is when the small oil glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or inflamed, so the oil in the tear film becomes altered. This can make tears froth and leave the eyes gritty or sore.
How do I get rid of foamy tears?
Warm compresses, gentle lid cleaning, and full blinking usually help, and treating any blepharitis makes a difference. If it persists or the eye becomes red and painful, have it checked.
