Strange Question

[scubabunny]

Ok...this is probably a weird question, but is it common for a person who has been in the water almost constantly (like an instructor) to have sea water bubble out of the inner corner of his eye when he tries to equalize on the surface?

I know, when I am really congested, I can pinch my nose and try to clear my ears (on land...NOT trying to dive!) and can feel air leak out of the corner of the eye socket (and PLEASE don't call me an "air-head!"). Is it possible that sea water will build up in the sinus cavities and come out through the eyes?

An instructor told me this happens to him sometimes, when he has alot of classes, and I just want to know if he was pulling my leg, or if it could be true.

 

[NJdiver85]

I don't have any personal experience on this, but physiologically it seems explainable. There is a tear duct called the nasolacrimal duct that typically drains excess tears from the eyes to the back of the nose. The duct is in the corner of the eye. (It is the reason that one usually gets a stuffed up nose after crying.)

 

[scubadoc]

This is certainly not a weird question as it happens quite often. It doesn't happen to most people because the nasolacrimal duct ordinarily allows only tear fluid to descend into the nose. However, for whatever cause, some people have a patulous (widened) tear duct and when they blow as in the valsalva maneuver, air is forced retrograde out the tear duct opening at the inner canthus of the eye.

This is not harmful and has no harmful consequences.

 

[scubabunny]

So, it is possible for someone to have sea water bubble out of the corner of their eyes? (I'm not talking about air..I'm talking about ocean water)

Damn...that means I lost $10.00 *sigh* Guess that will teach me to not take up gambling!

 

[scubadoc]

Well - it could be 'sea water'- if the diver has just come up from a dive. If not, it probably is nasal secretions (snot) or tears.

We really would not have any way of knowing what it is but assume sea water. Does this diver also blow bubbles while doing the valsalva underwater?