What Causes Dry Eyes When Waking Up?

    Waking up with dry eyes can leave you feeling uncomfortable and irritated. But what causes this unpleasant morning surprise? In this article, we delve into the reasons behind your dry eyes when waking up, discuss common culprits like Nocturnal Lagophthalmos and slowed tear production, and provide practical solutions to this widespread problem (1).
 

Exploring the Problem: Dry Eyes When Waking Up

    Waking up with dry eyes often causes a scratchy or burning sensation, redness, and can even leave your vision blurry. A variety of symptoms can cause these symptoms. At Mountain Shadow Vision Center, we remain committed to helping you understand underlying causes and offering solutions through our range of eye care services.

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos: An Unseen Issue

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos, while complex in name, simply refers to the inability to close the eyelids completely during sleep. It stands as a common cause of waking up with dry eyes, as the exposed surface can lead to increased evaporation. A comprehensive eye examination, which we offer at Mountain Shadow Vision Center, can help detect this issue.

Tear Production: The Night-Time Slow Down

Tear production plays a vital role in maintaining eye health (2). But did you know our bodies reduce tear production at night? This physiological slowdown, combined with existing tear production issues, can lead to waking up with dry eyes.

Allergies: An Overlooked Culprit

Allergies can cause havoc on your eyes, leading to overnight dryness. If you experience other allergy symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose, your dry eyes could be allergy-related.

Bedtime Medications: A Potential Trigger

Certain medications, especially those taken before bedtime, can result in dry eyes when waking up. Antihistamines, certain types of antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs stand as potential contributors.

Dehydration: An Indirect Cause

The body's hydration status directly affects tear production. Therefore, dehydration can contribute to waking up with dry eyes. Proper hydration plays a significant role in overall eye health and dry eye prevention.

Addressing the Issue: How Can I Fix Waking Up With Dry Eyes?

If you find yourself waking up with dry eyes frequently, consider the following steps:

1. Professional Help: If Nocturnal Lagophthalmos seems likely, visit us at Mountain Shadow Vision Center for an examination and potential treatment options.
2. Humidifier Use: A humidifier can increase the moisture level in the air, making dry eyes less likely (3).
3. Nutritional Adjustment: Good ocular nutrition can help maintain eye health. Explore our guide on ocular nutrition for further information.
4. Allergy Management: If allergies are a factor, consider allergy medication or avoidance strategies.
5. Medication Review: Consulting your doctor on bedtime medications should be considered if you start waking with dry eyes regularly.
6. Stay Hydrated: Studies from Harvard Medical School suggest drinking 15.5 cups a day for men and 11.5 cups for women. Depending on health conditions, fluctuating temperatures, and medications cause people to retain water, these numbers vary a bit. 

The causes of waking up with dry eyes can vary from person to person. Understanding these causes allows you to seek appropriate treatment and potentially prevent this discomfort. Mountain Shadow Vision Center stands ready to assist you. For additional insights on dry eyes and other eye health topics, feel free to explore our blog.

Healthline: Why Do I Wake Up With Dry Eyes?
Medical News Today: What Can Cause a Person To Experience Dry Eyes When They Wake Up?
The Healthy: Have Dry Eyes at Night Or When You Wake Up? Here’s Why