Have you ever woken up to find your eyes feel dry, scratchy, and irritated?
Waking up with dry eyes is a common issue that can not only impact your productivity but also your quality of life.
This can happen when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly during the night.
This condition, known as dry eye syndrome, can disrupt your morning routine and even harm your overall eye health over time if left untreated.
In this article, we’ll explore why you might be experiencing dry eyes in the morning and provide some effective solutions to help you find immediate relief. Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
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Waking up with dry eyes can result from various different causes, including nocturnal lagophthalmos (when the eyelids don’t close properly), poor tear production, meibomian gland dysfunction, and environmental factors.
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Simple lifestyle changes and products like silk sleep masks and lubricating eye drops can help alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes.
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Getting an eye exam is always recommended in order to properly determine what is causing your dry eye and to treat the symptoms effectively.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly.
This can cause your eyes to feel uncomfortable, scratchy, gritty, and irritated. You might also experience burning and redness, as well as blurry vision when the symptoms are severe.
If it’s left untreated for a long period of time, this dryness can actually damage the surface of the eyes.
When Should I Be Concerned About Dry Eyes?
You should see an eye doctor if you’re waking up with dry eyes frequently, experiencing persistent pain and discomfort, or noticing symptoms like redness, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.
These signs and symptoms can indicate underlying conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction (the glands that produce lubricating oil for your tears) or aqueous deficient dry eye (when the eyes stop producing enough tears), which both require professional treatment by an optometrist.
5 Causes of Waking Up With Dry Eyes in The Morning
#1: Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
You’ve probably noticed that some people sleep with their eyes slightly open. Sometimes, this is actually a condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos and it can lead your eyes to dry out overnight since your eyelids usually protect the moisture in your eyes from evaporating.
Using a silk sleep mask, like - this one from Dream Recovery, can help to keep your eyes closed while you sleep and protect your eyes from drying out.
#2: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce special oils that help to slow down the rate at which your tears evaporate. This is essential when it comes to keeping your eyes moist and comfortable.
Unfortunately, when these glands become blocked, there is not enough oil to prevent your tears from evaporating, causing symptoms like irritation, grittiness, and redness.
#3: Digital Eye Strain
Have you ever noticed how uncomfortable your eyes feel after a long day spent in front of the computer?
Spending long hours on screens can reduce your blink rate (the number of times you blink per minute), which can lead to poor tear distribution and dry eye symptoms. These symptoms can worsen overnight as your eyes try to recover.
#4: Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye
This type of dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears. This can often be linked to:
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Aging
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Certain medications
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Health conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome
#5: Environmental Factors
Sleeping in a room with low humidity (i.e. dry air) or high airflow from fans, heating, or air conditioning can dry out your eyes, leading to morning dry eye symptoms. Frequent air travel can also cause dry eyes due to the dry air in the cabin.
How Can I Prevent Waking Up With Dry Eyes?
Simple lifestyle adjustments and proper eye care can go a long way in preventing dry eyes. Below are some easy solutions:
Solution #1: Dream Recovery Silk Sleep Mask
An eye mask can help to keep your eyes lubricated throughout the night by keeping your eyes properly closed and protected from dry air.
However, not all sleep masks are created the same. There’s no denying that Dream Recovery’s Performance Silk Sleep Mask is the superior choice.
Thanks to the use of Cool-Tech™ Silk and silver ions, Dream Recovery’s Performance Silk Sleep Mask keeps your face cool even on the hottest of nights while providing powerful anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Not to mention, it is hypoallergenic, luxuriously soft, and one size fits all.
Sleep soundly with Dream Recovery’s Performance Silk Sleep Mask.
Solution #2: Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. This is particularly effective in dryer climates or during winter when heaters in your home might dry out the air more than usual.
Solution #3: Apply a Warm Compress
A warm compress can be a miracle to help unblock meibomian glands to ensure they release the healthy oils involved in effective tear production and reduced evaporation. Use it every night for the best results.
Solution #4: Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help keep your eyes moist and relieve symptoms of dry eye disease. Try to find a product that is free from preservatives to reduce further eye irritation and discomfort.
FAQ
How do I stop my eyes from drying out when I sleep?
The best way to stop your eyes from drying out while you sleep is to use a silk eye mask, try lubricating eye drops before bed, and to sleep in a room with a healthy humidity level.
How do you fix dry eyes asap?
You can fix dry eyes ASAP by using a warm compress and lubricating eye drops.
What causes dry eye upon waking?
The causes that can lead to dry eye upon waking include sleeping with your eyes slightly open, impaired meibomian gland function, dry air in the bedroom, and reduced tear production.
What are the dry eye treatment options?
Dry eye treatment options include sleeping using lubricating eye drops, trying warm eye compresses, using a humidifier in your home, sleeping with a silk eye mask, and Intense Pulsated Light Therapy (IPL).
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
The symptoms of dry eye include scratchiness and gritiness, burning, redness, blurred vision, and painful eyes.
Final Thoughts
Waking up with dry eyes can really ruin your mornings, but luckily, there are effective solutions!
Understanding the causes of dry eye is the first step, followed by taking proactive steps, such as using lubricating eye drops, and wearing a silk sleep mask, which can significantly improve the health of your eyes.
Remember, if your symptoms persist or are severe, it’s important to consult a healthcare practitioner for a treatment plan.
Sleep soundly with Dream Recovery’s Performance Silk Sleep Mask.