Waking up with dry, irritated eyes can make it harder to start your day. If your eyes feel gritty, sore, or tired in the morning, you may be dealing with more than just a rough night’s sleep. Fortunately, effective dry eye treatment in Pensacola is available to help relieve your symptoms and protect your eye health.
Learn what might be causing your eyes to feel dry when you wake up and what you can do about it.
Why are my eyes dry when I wake up?
Several factors can cause your eyes to feel dry or uncomfortable first thing in the morning. These are some of the most common:
Sleeping with your eyes slightly open
Some people sleep with their eyelids partially open, which causes the surface of the eye to dry out overnight. This can lead to burning, stinging, or blurry vision in the morning.
Poor tear quality
Your tear film has three layers: oil, water, and mucus. If the oil layer is lacking, your tears may evaporate too quickly while you sleep, leaving your eyes dry and irritated.
Blocked meibomian glands
These glands produce the oily part of your tear film. When they become clogged, your tears don’t stay on the eye’s surface as long as they should. This is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye.
Sleeping environment
Fans, heating systems, or air conditioning can reduce humidity and contribute to dry indoor air. Sleeping in these conditions can worsen dry eye symptoms, especially if your eyes already struggle to retain moisture.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos
This is a condition where the eyelids don’t fully close during sleep. It’s often linked to nerve or muscle issues around the eyelids and may require treatment to prevent long-term damage to the eye’s surface.
Solutions for dry eyes in the morning
If dry eyes make your mornings uncomfortable, the right treatment can help improve your comfort. Here are a few ways to manage and prevent dryness:
- Use a humidifier in your bedroom to increase moisture in the air
- Use preservative-free artificial tears when you wake up and before bed
- Try warm compresses to help unclog oil glands
- Use a sleep mask or moisture goggles to protect your eyes overnight
- Avoid sleeping under direct airflow from a fan or vent
If these changes don’t provide sufficient relief, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our experienced team. At Dr. C. Vision Care, we offer dry eye treatment that targets the root cause of your symptoms. Whether you need prescription options or a personalized at-home routine, we’ll help you wake up with clearer, more comfortable eyes.
To schedule an appointment, please call us today or book online.