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.