It’s morning, and your eyes are burning. You reach for your phone, tablet, or computer, searching the Internet for answers to the question, “Why do my eyes hurt when I wake up?” Yet, even reading these words might be causing discomfort.
In this article, we’ll explore some common reasons why your eyes might be aching first thing in the morning. We’ll also provide information on potential treatments and when it’s time to seek professional help.
Disclaimer: While we’ll cover several possibilities, every eye is unique. An optometrist is the best person to accurately diagnose and treat your specific condition.
Common Reasons Why Your Eyes Hurt When You Wake Up
1. Dry Eye
If your eyes constantly ache when you wake up, dry eye is a likely culprit. Our eyes naturally produce fewer tears during sleep, and if you’re a mouth breather or sleep with your eyes partially open, this can exacerbate the issue. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, itchiness, and redness.
Fortunately, dry eye is treatable. Over-the-counter eye drops or prescription medications can provide relief. Simple lifestyle changes, like using a humidifier or applying lubricating eye drops before bed, can also help. But in some cases, a minor in-office procedure may be recommended.
Did you know? Dry eye affects nearly 77% of Australians. Yet, only a fraction seek professional help. Don’t let dry eye impact your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist today for personalised treatment options.
2. Eye Strain
Excessive screen time or tasks demanding intense focus can lead to eye strain. This digital fatigue can linger, causing morning eye discomfort.
To reduce eye strain, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also, ensure you have proper lighting when reading or working on screens.
3. Allergies
Allergies can be a major culprit behind morning eye discomfort. Whether it’s seasonal allergies or year-round irritants like dust mites, your eyes can react with redness, swelling, itchiness, and pain.
To help alleviate allergy-related eye issues, create a clean sleep environment by regularly washing bedding and using allergen-proof covers. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can provide temporary relief.
4. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pink eye is an inflammation of the eye’s outer layer. It often causes redness, itchiness, a gritty sensation, and sometimes a discharge that can form crusts on your eyelashes. If you wake up with these symptoms, pink eye might be the culprit.
While many cases of pink eye clear up on their own, bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment. It’s important to remember that pink eye is highly contagious. To prevent spreading it to others, wash your hands thoroughly after touching your eyes.
4. Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
Morning eye discomfort isn’t always about the eye itself. Sometimes, the problem lies in your eyelids. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by clogged oil glands. This can lead to redness, swelling, and a gritty sensation, particularly noticeable upon waking.
Gentle eyelid hygiene is key to managing blepharitis. Warm compresses and gentle cleaning can help. In some cases, medicated eye drops or ointments may be necessary.
5. Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Sudden, severe eye pain upon waking is a red flag and could be a symptom of angle-closure glaucoma. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the fluid drainage system of the eye, causing a build-up of pressure. While it can develop gradually in people with naturally narrow drainage angles, it often strikes suddenly. In addition to eye pain, acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.
Early detection is crucial. An optometrist can diagnose glaucoma during a comprehensive eye exam.
6. Eye Injury
A foreign object in your eye, such as a dust particle or eyelash, can be irritating and painful. The risk of injury increases if you inadvertently sleep with your eyes open.
Eye injuries should never be taken lightly as they can impact your vision and potentially lead to more serious complications. If you can’t remove a foreign object by gently blinking, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Attempting to remove it yourself can worsen the injury. An eye doctor can safely remove the object and provide necessary care.
7. Recurrent Epithelial Erosion
In some cases, an eye injury can lead to a more persistent problem called recurrent epithelial erosion (REE). This condition occurs when a corneal injury doesn’t heal properly, leading to the formation of a blister. During sleep, this blister can adhere to your eyelid, causing it to rupture upon waking, resulting in eye pain.
REE can be a frustrating condition as it can recur months or even years after the initial injury. While over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed eye drops can help manage symptoms, the best course of action is to consult an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
8. Corneal Abrasions
Waking up to eye pain can be alarming, and a corneal abrasion might be the culprit. This occurs when the cornea, the clear front part of your eye, is scratched. It often happens due to rubbing your eyes excessively or accidentally hitting something.
Symptoms of a corneal abrasion include pain, light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, and blurry vision. If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Your eye doctor can examine your eye, remove any foreign particles, and prescribe appropriate treatment to promote healing and alleviate discomfort.
9. Improper Contact Lens Use
Improper Contact Lens Use Waking up with irritated eyes can often be linked to improper contact lens use. Sleeping in lenses that aren’t specifically designed for overnight wear can deprive your eyes of essential oxygen, leading to discomfort and even infection.
It’s also important to understand the difference between daily and monthly contact lenses. Choosing the right type of lenses and following the recommended usage can help prevent irritation and other issues.
If you need to wear lenses overnight, ensure they are specifically designed for this purpose. Additionally, giving your eyes regular breaks from contact lenses can help maintain eye health.
How to Treat Morning Eye Discomfort
1. Artificial Tears
If dry eyes are the issue, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief by replenishing your eye’s moisture. Consistent use may be necessary for optimal results.
2. Antibiotics
For bacterial infections, antibiotic eye drops or oral medication can help clear up the infection and reduce inflammation.
3. Antihistamines
If allergies are causing your eye discomfort, antihistamine eye drops or oral tablets can help alleviate symptoms like itchiness and redness.
4. Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help soothe inflammation and unclog oil glands, particularly beneficial for conditions like blepharitis.
Important note: While these treatments can offer relief for many common eye issues, it’s crucial to consult with an eye care professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They can determine the root cause of your discomfort and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
How to Prevent Morning Eye Discomfort
1. Keep Your Eyes Moist
Dry eyes are a common culprit. Use artificial tears as directed by your eye care professional, especially before bed.
2. Prioritise Eye Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Manage Allergies
If allergies are a problem, talk to your doctor about over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications.
4. Regular Eye Exams
Schedule regular eye exams to detect and address any underlying eye conditions that could contribute to morning eye discomfort.
When to See an Eye Doctor
While mild morning eye discomfort can often be managed at home, there are times when professional care is essential. If you experience any of the following, it’s crucial to consult an eye doctor:
- Persistent or worsening eye pain
- Sudden changes in vision
- Redness, swelling, or discharge
- Severe headaches accompanied by eye pain
- Eye pain after an injury
At EyeSelect, we prioritise your eye health and well-being. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you have any concerns about your vision. We’re here to help you see your best.
Stay Connected
Want to learn more about eye health? Read our blogs for tips, advice, and the latest news. And remember, regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining optimal vision.
We’re committed to helping you enjoy clear, comfortable vision every day. Contact us to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions. Your eye health is our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is it for eyes to hurt when waking up?
Morning eye discomfort is quite common. Conditions like dry eyes, allergies, and pink eye can often cause morning eye pain. Reduced tear production during sleep is also a factor.
Is age a factor in morning eye pain?
Yes, age can play a role. As we get older, our bodies produce fewer tears, which can lead to dry eyes and morning discomfort. Additionally, age-related eye conditions can contribute to eye pain.
Can sleeping position or habits cause morning eye pain?
While sleeping position itself usually doesn’t directly cause eye pain, certain habits can contribute. Sleeping with your eyes partially open, rubbing your eyes excessively, or using pillows with feather or down fillings can irritate the eyes.
Do eye drops help prevent morning eye pain?
Yes, eye drops can help prevent morning eye pain, especially if dry eyes are the issue. Using artificial tears before bed can help maintain moisture levels throughout the night.
Does sleeping early reduce morning eye pain?
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, including eye health. However, simply sleeping earlier won’t necessarily prevent eye pain. Addressing the underlying cause, such as dry eyes or allergies, is often more effective.
When should I be concerned about eye pain?
Severe or unusual eye pain accompanied by symptoms like headache, fever, sensitivity to light, vision changes, nausea, or vomiting requires immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a serious eye condition.
Can certain medications cause morning eye pain?
Some medications can have side effects that affect your eyes, including dryness and irritation. If you suspect your medication is causing eye discomfort, consult your doctor.
Are there foods or drinks that can help or worsen morning eye pain?
While there’s no definitive diet for eye health, staying hydrated and consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can support overall eye well-being. Some people find that limiting caffeine and alcohol can help reduce eye dryness.
