How can I relieve dry eyes in the morning?

Change your morning routine: If your morning routine includes activities that can dry out your eyes, such as taking a shower or using a hair dryer, try to limit the time you spend doing these activities or use a protective eyewear. Also using a humidifier at night can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to prevent dry eyes. Check out a few more reasons that cause dry eyes

Can allergies cause dry eyes in the morning?

Yes, allergies can cause dry eyes in the morning. Allergies can cause inflammation and irritation of the eyes, which can lead to dryness. The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, can also include redness, itchiness, and watering. Allergies can also cause the production of excess tears, which can then evaporate quickly, leaving the eyes feeling dry and irritated. These symptoms can be caused by various allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or animal dander.

Should I see a doctor if I have dry eyes in the morning?

If you have persistent dry eyes in the morning, it is recommended that you see an eye doctor or optometrist for an evaluation. While occasional dry eyes in the morning may not be a cause for concern, chronic dry eyes can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment. An eye doctor or ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of your dry eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment.

BEST TIPS FOR DRY, IRRITATED EYES IN THE MORNING

January 15, 2023

A woman is covering her eyes with her hand.

Waking up with dry eyes is a frequently reported concern among many of our MVO patients. This article will outline the main causes, and the best ways to manage this.

Why do I have dry eyes when I wake up in the morning?

When you blink, the tears in your eyes recirculate and refresh, which does not happen when your eyes are closed at night. Toxins can accumulate beneath your eyelids which can cause irritation, particularly if you have dry eye disease. Another reason for dry eyes in the morning is due to a condition called lagophthalmos, where the lids partially remain open during sleep instead of creating a tight seal. This causes the eyes to dry out further and may even cause pain upon awakening.

What does it mean if your eyes burn in the morning?

This could be a sign that you have dry eye disease. One of the main components of your tear film is lipid (oil). People with evaporative dry eye disease will have inflammation within the eyelids, which causes the lipid in the tears to thicken and become cloudy. This altered tear chemistry can often create a burning sensation in the morning and throughout the day.

Best tips to stop dry eyes in the morning

Using a balanced preservative-free artificial tear drop like Thealoz Duo right before bed and as soon as you wake up can help circulate the tears more effectively and remove toxin build-up. For those with lagophthalmos, a thicker gel like Ocunox is often needed to keep the eyes from dehydrating. Another tip is to place a small space humidifier in your bedroom to create a higher level of moisture in the air.

Dry eye disease can cause a variety of different symptoms, but one of the most common is waking up with sore eyes. If you suffer from this symptom or others that you feel may be due to dry eyes, book an appointment to consult with one of our MVO optometrists with a special interest in dry eye disease. You can also take this brief quiz online to determine your level of risk for dry eye disease.

How can I relieve dry eyes in the morning?

Change your morning routine: If your morning routine includes activities that can dry out your eyes, such as taking a shower or using a hair dryer, try to limit the time you spend doing these activities or use a protective eyewear. Also using a humidifier at night can help to add moisture to the air, which can help to prevent dry eyes. Check out a few more reasons that cause dry eyes
Can allergies cause dry eyes in the morning?

Yes, allergies can cause dry eyes in the morning. Allergies can cause inflammation and irritation of the eyes, which can lead to dryness. The symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of the clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, can also include redness, itchiness, and watering. Allergies can also cause the production of excess tears, which can then evaporate quickly, leaving the eyes feeling dry and irritated. These symptoms can be caused by various allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or animal dander.
Should I see a doctor if I have dry eyes in the morning?

If you have persistent dry eyes in the morning, it is recommended that you see an eye doctor or optometrist for an evaluation. While occasional dry eyes in the morning may not be a cause for concern, chronic dry eyes can be a sign of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

An eye doctor or ophthalmologist can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause of your dry eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment.