Question: I am a 65-year- old man. Whenever I eat hot food cooked either on the gas stove or moderately heated in an oven or microwave, I feel a burning sensation and my eyes tear. Is anything wrong with my eyes?

Stimulation of tears normally occurs with irritation of any kind, and it certainly can occur when eating steamed or hot food. As you eat, any warm sensation normally rises within your mouth cavity up the back of your throat to the nasal area. A duct on each side of your upper nose drains each eye of tears. Undoubtedly, your ducts are directing some heated air toward your eyes and are stimulating burning and tearing.

I doubt any other condition is present, but it might be wise for you to be evaluated by your regular physician to confirm that all is well.