Waking up with dry eyes is a pretty common experience. You open your eyes and they’re scratchy, itchy, maybe even a little burn-y. It’s definitely not the best way to start the day.
Dry eye syndrome is incredibly prevalent, affecting more than half of all adults. But why does it happen, especially first thing in the morning?
We’ll explore the common causes of dry eyes when I wake up, some easy things you can try at home to get relief, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
What Causes Dry Eyes in the Morning?
Waking up with dry eyes can be really irritating. Let’s take a look at some of the things that might be causing it.
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
Nocturnal lagophthalmos is a condition in which your eyelids don’t fully close while you’re sleeping. When this happens, your eyes can’t get the lubrication they need overnight, leading to that scratchy, dry feeling in the morning.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos can be caused by facial nerve weakness, eyelid deformation, or even trauma to the eye area.
Tear Quality
Healthy, comfortable eyes depend on the right mix of oil, water, and mucus in your tear film. The meibomian glands, located in your eyelids (about 25-40 in the upper lid and 20-30 in the lower lid), produce the oil layer that keeps your tears from evaporating too quickly.
When these glands aren’t working right – a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) – your tears can evaporate too fast, leaving your eyes feeling dry.
Tear Production
As we get older, our bodies tend to produce fewer tears. Certain medical conditions and medications can also affect tear production.
Conditions like blepharitis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid issues, or Sjögren’s syndrome can all contribute to dry eyes. Some medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and chemotherapy drugs, can also reduce tear production.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments for Morning Dry Eyes
There are several things you can do at home to relieve your dry eye symptoms.
Hydration
It sounds simple, but it’s essential. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for eight to ten glasses. Staying hydrated helps your body produce tears.
Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene
Warm compresses can bring quick relief. Just soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and hold it over your closed eyelids for ten to fifteen minutes. The warmth helps loosen the oils in your meibomian glands, which are important for tear production.
While you’re at it, gently wash your eyelids to remove any debris or crustiness. Good eyelid hygiene helps prevent blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids that can make dry eyes worse.
Environmental Control
Think about the air you’re breathing, especially while you sleep. Using a humidifier, particularly at night, can increase the moisture in the air and prevent your tears from evaporating so quickly.
Try to minimize your exposure to things that can irritate your eyes, like air blowing from vents, allergens, and smoke.
How to address digital eye strain
It’s no secret that screens are bad for your eyes. When you stare at a screen for too long, you blink less, which means your eyes don’t get lubricated as much as they should. This can cause dry eyes.
That’s why it’s important to take breaks! The 20-20-20 rule is a good one to follow: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps your eyes re-lubricate and reduces strain.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dry eye symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening, it’s time to see an eye doctor. A professional evaluation can help pinpoint the cause of your dry eyes and rule out other possible conditions.
Some treatments your doctor might recommend include:
- Artificial tears, which can provide short-term relief.
- Punctal plugs, tiny devices that help your eyes retain moisture.
- Tear-stimulating medications, which can help your eyes produce more tears.
If your dry eyes are caused by an underlying condition like blepharitis or Sjögren’s syndrome, treating that condition can provide relief.
In severe cases, some people opt for eyelid surgery to improve eyelid closure.
Conclusion
Waking up with dry eyes is a common complaint, and there are many reasons why it might be happening to you. The good news is that simple home remedies and lifestyle adjustments can often bring significant relief.
Taking care of your eyes should be a priority, and treating dry eyes early can help you avoid more serious problems and improve your quality of life.
If simple interventions don’t help, don’t wait to seek professional help. An eye doctor can diagnose the cause of your dry eyes and recommend the best treatment options for you.