Dry, irritated, and scratchy eyes in the morning can be frustrating and uncomfortable. You’re not alone, as morning dry eyes are a common concern for many people.
Even after a good night’s sleep, you may wonder why you suffer from dry eyes. There are several reasons for morning dry eyes, including:
- Nocturnal lagophthalmos
- Poor tear quality
- Inadequate tear production
With a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can evaluate your eye health and recommend a personalized treatment.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition characterized by an inadequate quantity or quality of tears to lubricate and nourish the eyes. Tears consist of 3 layers: water, oil, and mucous. These are crucial for maintaining eye health, providing moisture, and protecting the eye against infections. However, when there’s an imbalance in the tear film, it can lead to discomfort and dryness.
Dry Eye Causes
Several factors contribute to dry eyes by affecting the glands that produce tears, increasing tear evaporation, and altering tear functionality.
Causes of dry eye can include the following:
- Environmental factors: Windy, smoky, and dry environments can cause your tears to evaporate faster.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production, leading to dry eyes.
- Age-related changes: As we age, there’s a reduction in tear production.
- Health conditions: Conditions like autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, and diabetes can affect tear production and lead to dry eye symptoms.
- Prolonged screen usage: You may blink less when using digital devices, which can cause dry eyes.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye can be mild or severe and affect one or both eyes. Dry eye symptoms can include:
- Eye redness
- Excessive tearing
- A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Gritty sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Eye fatigue
- Contact lens discomfort
Morning Dry Eyes
Besides daytime dry eyes, you can also experience dry eyes upon waking. In addition to the above symptoms, morning dry eye symptoms can include:
- Eyelids sticking together when waking up
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
Causes of Morning Dry Eyes
Morning dry eyes can result from decreased tear production, poor-quality tears, and partially opened eyelids.
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
Nocturnal lagophthalmos (NL) is a condition where a person’s eyelids don’t fully close during sleep. NL can result from overstimulation of an eye muscle that helps keep the eyes open during the daytime. The concern with this condition is that it can affect the functioning of the tear film on the eye’s surface and lead to dry eyes upon waking.
Poor Tear Quality
The lacrimal glands produce tears that cover the eye’s surface. If the tear film lacks a component, either water, oil, or mucous, tears can evaporate too fast, or there’s an uneven layer of tears on the eye’s surface, leading to dry eyes when waking.
Inadequate Tear Production
If your eyes don’t produce enough tears at night, it can lead to dry eyes in the morning. Factors that can affect tear production at night include:
- Age
- Dry air in the bedroom
- Excessive screen time before bed
- Hormonal changes in women
Dry Eye Treatment
Addressing morning dry eyes involves a combination of lifestyle changes, environmental adjustments, and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some effective dry eye treatments:
- Artificial tears: Over-the-counter artificial tear solutions can provide immediate relief by lubricating the eyes. Choose preservative-free options if you plan to use them frequently. However, these only offer temporary relief.
- Prescription eye drops: Medicated eye drops help stimulate natural tear production and address underlying causes of dry eye, such as inflammation.
- Punctal plugs: Tiny medical devices inserted into the tear ducts prevent tear drainage and improve moisture on the eye’s surface.
- Meibomian gland expression: This can help unblock the meibomian glands (which secrete the oil layer in tears) to stimulate oil flow and improve tear quality.
Treatments for morning dry eyes that can be done at home can include:
- Taping the eyelids closed at night.
- Applying a warm compress or eye mask to your closed eyes before bedtime can help open up the oil glands, improving the quality of your tears.
- A warm bath before bedtime may reduce the stimulation of the eye muscles that keep the eyelids open.
- Use a humidifier in your room, especially if you live in a dry climate. Additionally, try to keep your sleeping area free from drafts, as drafts can contribute to the evaporation of tears.
- Take breaks from screen time and remember to blink consciously to spread tears evenly and prevent eye dryness.
- Take omega-3 fatty acids to improve tear quality.
Dry Eye Relief
Waking up with dry eyes can be a frustrating start to the day. If you experience morning dry eye symptoms, book an appointment with Eyesmate Vision Care.
Our eye doctors can conduct a thorough examination to identify the underlying causes of your dry eyes. Personalized treatment can provide long-term relief for refreshed and comfortable vision.
