Waking up with dry, scratchy eyes isn’t exactly the start to the day you’d hope for. Morning dry eye is a common concern, and its causes can vary widely.
The main culprits of dry eye? A combination of how your eyes function while you sleep, your sleeping environment, and potentially even your health.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to address the issue once you’ve identified it. If morning dry eye is becoming a problem, book an eye exam with your optometrist and discuss potential treatment options.
What Is Morning Dry Eye?
Morning dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough moisture or tears to stay hydrated while you sleep. Tears are important for maintaining the health of your eyes; they act as a shield against dust, debris, and bacteria, all while keeping your vision clear.
When this natural lubrication is compromised—whether this due to reduced tear production or poor tear quality—you may wake up with dry, irritated eyes. This dryness can be brief or persistent, depending on the root cause.
What Causes Morning Dry Eye?
Waking up with dry eyes often stems from how your eyes and environment interact overnight. One common cause is the buildup of a biofilm, a sticky layer of bacteria and debris, on the eyelids. This biofilm can interfere with your tear film, contributing to irritation and dryness.
Additionally, sleeping on your side may put pressure on one eye, leading to localized dryness in that eye alone. Sleeping on your back or using overnight eye masks can help reduce these effects.
Could Dry Eyes Be Linked to Your Overnight Environment?
Your bedroom environment can have a big effect on how your eyes feel in the morning. Factors to monitor include:
- Humidity Levels: Low humidity can cause the air to pull moisture away from your eyes. Investing in a humidifier can maintain moisture levels while you sleep.
- Fans or Air Conditioning: If your eyes are directly exposed to circulating air, this can accelerate tear evaporation, drying out your eyes.
- Exposure to Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, or pollen in your bedroom can irritate your eyes, intensifying dryness.
Medical Conditions That Contribute to Morning Eye Dryness
Several medical issues may also play a role in morning dry eyes:
- Blepharitis: This inflammation of the eyelids can cause blockages in the oil glands needed for tear production.
- Nocturnal Lagophthalmos: Some people sleep with their eyelids slightly open, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos. This condition exposes the eyes to air, causing night-long evaporation of tears.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome: This autoimmune condition affects tear production, resulting in chronic dryness.
In such cases, treating these underlying causes may help you manage your dry eye.
How to Prevent Dry Eyes While Sleeping
Preventing dry eyes overnight starts with protecting your eyes and keeping them moist. Here are some measures to consider:
- Use a Humidifier: Add moisture to the air in your bedroom to keep your eyes from drying out.
- Apply Lubricating Eye Drops: Use preservative-free artificial tears before bedtime to keep your eyes hydrated.
- Wear an Eye Mask: Opt for an eye mask with a moisture-seal feature to trap natural hydration during sleep.
- Avoid Allergens: Regularly wash bedding and vacuum the bedroom to limit exposure to dust, pet dander, and other irritants.
- Switch Your Sleeping Position: Train yourself to sleep on your back and avoid pressing your face, especially your eyes, into the pillow.
When to Worry About Morning Dry Eyes
Some cases of morning dry eyes require professional evaluation. You should visit your eye doctor if:
- Dryness persists despite preventative efforts
- You’re experiencing worsening discomfort, redness, or blurred vision
- Dryness is accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or discharge that could indicate an infection or a more severe issue
Daytime Treatments for Dry Eye
Treatment options for dry eye can alleviate discomfort and improve your daily quality of life. Your optometrist may recommend a combination of:
- Prescription-strength artificial tears: These drops provide intense hydration and lubrication for dry eyes, offering relief from discomfort and irritation.
- BlephEx treatment to address eyelid inflammation: This in-office procedure helps reduce inflammation caused by blepharitis, improving eyelid hygiene and overall eye health.
- Warm compresses to soothe irritation and unclog oil glands: Applying a warm compress can help relax the eyes, reduce irritation, and unblock meibomian glands to improve the quality of tears.
- Eyelid scrubs to manage blepharitis: Gentle eyelid scrubs can help clean away debris, bacteria, and oils that contribute to eyelid inflammation, promoting healthier eyelids and better eye comfort.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to reduce drainage, may also be helpful for more severe cases of dry eye.
Protecting Your Eyes Overnight
Managing morning dry eye requires a mixture of thoughtful routines, preventative steps, and active treatments. Start simple by adjusting your sleep habits and making environmental changes, such as improving bedroom humidity or wearing a sleep mask. For stubborn cases, request an appointment with OPT Optometric Palm Springs. Our optometrists can recommend effective treatments, ensuring your mornings begin with comfort and clarity.
