Achy, tired eyes in the morning aren’t just from a bad night’s sleep. Many people experience morning eye discomfort, and while it’s often nothing to worry about, persistent eye discomfort can sometimes point to underlying issues.
Several reasons for your eyes hurting in the morning can include:
- Dry eyes
- Allergies
- Digital eye strain
- Eye infection or inflammation
- Eyelid issues
- Contact lenses
A comprehensive eye exam can help determine the exact cause of eye pain so you can receive the right treatment and wake up refreshed and ready to start your day with clear, comfortable vision.
What Does Morning Eye Pain Feel Like?
Morning eye pain or soreness refers to discomfort or irritation in the eyes upon waking up. It can manifest in different ways, such as a burning sensation, redness, itchiness, difficulty opening your eyes, or feeling like something’s stuck in your eye.
Symptoms of morning eye pain can vary from person to person and may occur in one or both eyes. When you discuss these symptoms with your eye doctor, they help to identify potential causes to find relief and improve your overall eye health.
Why Do Your Eyes Hurt When You Wake Up?
Your morning eye discomfort might have multiple causes. Here are the most common ones to consider.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common cause of morning eye irritation. During the night, your tear production naturally decreases. If you already have dry eyes, the reduced lubrication can leave your eyes feeling gritty, sore, or even a foreign body sensation in the eyes. Tell-tale symptoms of dry eye include:
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Redness or itchiness
- Difficulty opening your eyes in the morning
- Light sensitivity
Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, they may add to your discomfort. Allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites can linger on your pillowcase or in the environment and cause while you rest.
Using old or unclean pillowcases can expose your eyes to allergens or bacteria overnight. Symptoms like redness, puffiness, and watery or itchy eyes could be allergies, causing your eyes to hurt when you wake up.
Digital Eye Strain
Spending too much time staring at digital screens before bed can strain your eyes, even after you close them for the night. Digital devices like computers and smartphones emit blue light that can affect your sleep and tire your eyes, leading to morning discomfort.
Eye Infection or Inflammation
Eye infections or inflammation can also cause morning eye pain. Bacterial or viral infections, such as pink eye, can lead to redness, discharge, and discomfort upon waking up. Blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid can also contribute to morning eye discomfort.
Eyelid Issues
Nocturnal lagophthalmos is a condition in which the eyelids do not fully close during sleep, exposing part of the eye. A partially open eyelid can result in dryness, irritation, and discomfort upon waking up.
Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses overnight, especially for extended periods, can lead to morning eye pain because the lenses can restrict oxygen flow to the eyes and cause irritation or dryness.
Closed eyes offer only a third of the oxygen available compared to open eyes. To prevent this, follow proper wear and care instructions for your contact lenses, or consider switching to a different type of contact lens.
Practical Tips for Alleviating Morning Eye Discomfort
There’s good news if you experience pain in your eyes upon waking. You can take the following steps to keep your eyes feeling fresh and comfortable.
Practice Good Eye Hygiene
Good eye hygiene before bed can include gently washing your face and eyelids to remove allergens or irritants. Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if they’re already feeling irritated.
Improve Your Sleep Environment
Use hypoallergenic pillowcases and wash them frequently. If dry indoor air contributes to your symptoms, consider using a humidifier in your bedroom. Limit screen time at least an hour before bed to reduce digital eye strain.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Proper hydration supports tear production and is essential for keeping your eyes lubricated.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If your morning eye discomfort persists or worsens, contact your eye doctor. They can check for conditions like dry eye, allergies, or infection and recommend tailored treatments such as the following:
- Lubricating eye drops
- Prescription medication
- Warm compresses and lid massages
- Punctal plugs to prevent tear drainage
All-Day Vision Comfort
Your eyes play an essential role in how you experience the world, and waking up with pain or discomfort can be frustrating. Understanding the causes and making small changes to your nighttime habits can lead to brighter, more comfortable mornings. If you experience eye pain or other symptoms that affect your sleep, mornings, and daily vision, book an appointment with Envision Eye Care for timely diagnosis and treatment to protect your eye health.
