That scratchy, burning feeling in your eyes can be an uncomfortable way to start the day. If you often wake up with irritated eyes, you are not alone. It’s a common experience that the team at Visionary Eye Centre can help you address.
The burning sensation you feel can come from your eyes becoming too dry while you sleep, sometimes because of dry eye disease. This dryness can happen for several reasons, from your environment to your daily habits.
Common Reasons for Morning Eye Discomfort
Several factors can lead to that burning feeling when you open your eyes. The cause is often related to a lack of moisture that develops overnight.
Dry Eye Disease
Your eyes depend on a steady layer of tears for comfort and clear vision. If your body doesn’t produce enough tears or the tears you produce are of poor quality, you can develop dry eye. This common condition often feels worse in the morning after many hours without the natural lubrication that comes from blinking.
Sleeping with Your Eyes Partially Open
Some people sleep with their eyelids slightly apart without even knowing it. This exposes the surface of your eyes to air all night, which can lead to dryness and irritation when you wake up.
Allergies in Your Room
Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or pollen can settle in your bedding and pillows. Overnight exposure can trigger an allergic response, leaving your eyes feeling scratchy, red, and sore in the morning.
Eyelid Inflammation
A condition called blepharitis causes inflammation along the edges of your eyelids. It can result in crusty lashes and a gritty, burning feeling that is often more noticeable when you first open your eyes.
How Your Environment and Habits Affect Your Eyes
Your daily routines and the space you sleep in can play a big part in your morning eye comfort. You might find that simple changes can make a noticeable difference.
Dry Air in Your Room
Heating systems and air conditioners often lower the humidity in your bedroom. This dry air may cause the moisture on the surface of your eyes to evaporate more quickly while you sleep.
Screen Time Before Bed
When you focus on a phone, tablet, or computer screen, you tend to blink less often. This can contribute to digital eye strain that doesn’t have a chance to recover overnight, so you wake up with discomfort.
Makeup and Contact Lenses
Forgetting to remove makeup or take out contact lenses before bed can irritate your eyes and eyelids. This may lead to inflammation and that familiar burning sensation the next day.
Symptoms to Watch For
A burning feeling is often just 1 piece of the puzzle. You might also notice other related symptoms, especially in the morning.
- A gritty or sandy feeling, like something is in your eye.
- Redness or bloodshot eyes.
- Blurry vision that gets better after you blink a few times.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation.
Simple At-Home Relief and Prevention Tips
You can try a few things at home to help soothe your eyes and prevent morning irritation from happening in the first place.
- Add moisture to the air: Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to help keep your eyes from drying out.
- Apply a warm compress: Place a clean, warm washcloth over your closed eyelids for a few minutes to soothe irritation.
- Adjust your nighttime routine: Make sure to remove all eye makeup and take out contact lenses before you go to sleep.
- Use lubricant eye drops: Ask your optometrist about preservative-free artificial tears. A drop in each eye before bed can help maintain moisture.
When to See Your Optometrist
While at-home care can help, persistent eye discomfort is a sign that you should book an eye exam. Professional care is essential for identifying the cause and achieving long-term relief.
Your Symptoms Don’t Improve
If the burning sensation continues for more than a few days despite trying home remedies, it’s time to get a professional opinion. An eye exam can help pinpoint the exact reason for your discomfort.
You Experience Pain or Vision Changes
Sharp pain, discharge from your eye, or significant changes in your vision are signs you need to see an eye care professional right away. These symptoms could point to a more serious issue or an eye emergency that needs prompt attention.
You Need a Clear Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Figuring out the root cause is a great step towards finding personalized relief. Optometrists have the tools to check for conditions like dry eye disease or blepharitis and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Make Your Mornings More Comfortable
Don’t let burning eyes disrupt your mornings. The team at Visionary Eye Centre is here to help uncover the cause of your discomfort and find a solution that works for you. Book your appointment for an overall eye health check in the Sherwood Park and Edmonton area.
