Waking up with dry eyes can be caused by a number of things.
Some common reasons include:
- Improper tear production can result from age, medications, or preexisting conditions. If your eyes are dry during the day, they are likely dry during the night, too. This could cause you to wake up noticing it more in the morning than during the day.
- Issues with the meibomian glands, which are small ducts that secrete oil and keep your eyes moist. These issues can lead to faster tear evaporation which may lead to nighttime dryness.
- Daytime allergies can continue to irritate the eyes after falling asleep.
- Low amounts of moisture in the air, or too much dry air blown directly at your face while you sleep.
- A condition called nocturnal lagophthalmos, in which your eyes don’t fully close when you sleep, can lead to extreme dryness. This is a condition that needs to be addressed so it doesn’t worsen over time.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition in which the surface of the eye isn’t hydrated properly, either from having not enough tears, or poor quality tears. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Stinging or burning
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- A foreign body feeling
- Red or watery eyes
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- Stringy mucus in or around your eye
If you are unsure of your symptoms, take the Trail Vision Care Dry Eye Test to help you determine whether you should book an appointment with an eye doctor.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Meibomian glands are tiny glands on the edges of your eyelids that produce an oil to keep your eyes from drying out. When the meibomian glands don’t work properly, they may not produce enough oil, or the oil they do produce might not be good quality.
There are a number of reasons that can trigger meibomian gland dysfunction, like:
- Age. A study showed that 59% of older adults had at least 1 sign of meibomian gland dysfunction.
- Wearing contact lenses. Research shows that the meibomian glands can change during contact use and that these changes can persist even after you stop using contacts.
- Wearing makeup. Wearing eye makeup like liners and shimmers can clog the meibomian glands, especially if you don’t take care to thoroughly rinse it off at night before sleeping.
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Relief from Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can be concerning, but there are a number of simple ways to find relief that you can do on your own at home.
Eye Drops
Using eye drops is a quick and effective way to add artificial tears to your eyes if they’re feeling dry. You can get eye drops over the counter, or by prescription from your eye doctor.
Warm Compress
A warm compress can be used over the eyes for a short period of time to find relief and can be particularly effective in the morning after waking up. You can make one easily at home with these easy steps:
- Fill a bowl with water. The water should be warm, but not hot. Always test the water temperature on another patch of skin, such as your inner wrist before putting it on your eyes, as they are more sensitive than other areas of the body.
- Soak a small washcloth in the water and wring it out so the excess water isn’t dripping.
- Lay back and place the cloth over your eyes, keeping it on for five to fifteen minutes.
- You may repeat this throughout the day for relief as needed.
Important: Never use tea bags, Epsom salts, or any chemical in the water. Regular water is best if your optometrist hasn’t advised otherwise.
Take Breaks from Electronics
It’s well-documented that looking at a screen can dry out your eyes. Taking frequent breaks can help with dry eye, as can following the 20-20-20 Rule.
Use a Humidifier
When the air is dry, your eyes may also feel dry. Using a humidifier—especially in colder, drier months—can provide a source of relief and restore moisture to your surroundings (and eyes!).
Refrain from Using a Fan
Movement in the air, especially a fan pointed directly at you, can contribute to dry eyes. If you must sleep with an air conditioner or fan, point it away from you as you sleep, set it on a lower setting, or get yourself a sleeping mask that will prevent the moving air from getting through to your eyes.
See Your Eye Doctor
If you experience any form of eye discomfort, it’s best to book an appointment sooner rather than later. Even something as common as dry eye can become something worse if not treated in a timely manner. Book an appointment with Trail Vision Care to find relief today.
