You wake up, rub your eyes, and immediately notice that scratchy, irritated feeling—sometimes it even feels like you slept with sand in your eyes. Morning dryness can make it difficult to start your day and affect your focus. If this happens often, it may indicate an underlying issue that requires dry eye treatment in Elkhorn.
Our knowledgeable eye doctors take the time to understand your symptoms and provide personalized solutions. Keep reading to learn about the common causes of dry eyes in the morning and how to find relief.
Why are my eyes dry when I wake up?
Several factors can lead to dry, crusty eyes when you wake up:
- Tear quality issues: Tears have three layers: oil, water, and mucus. If the oily layer is thin, tears evaporate quickly, resulting in dry eyes when you wake up.
- Blocked meibomian glands: These small glands in your eyelids produce the oils that prevent tear evaporation. When these glands get clogged, a condition known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), it can lead to persistent dryness.
- Sleep environment: Dry indoor air from heaters, fans, or air conditioning can dry out your eyes overnight. Even pillow placement can affect comfort.
- Incomplete eyelid closure: If your eyelids don’t fully close while you sleep, your eyes may dry out and feel irritated by morning.
How to fix dry eyes in the morning
Small changes at home can improve how your eyes feel in the morning:
- Use a humidifier: Moist air in the bedroom helps keep eyes hydrated overnight.
- Artificial tears: Preservative-free eye drops can provide fast relief first thing in the morning.
- Warm compresses: Heated masks unclog oil glands and improve tear quality.
- Moisture protection: Sleep masks or moisture goggles help shield eyes while you rest.
- Airflow management: Avoid sleeping directly under vents or fans.
- Eyelid hygiene: Gentle cleansing with wipes or mild solutions can reduce irritation.
- Omega-3 supplements: Supporting tear production with omega-3s can improve overall eye health.
Advanced solutions for dry eye care
If home remedies aren’t enough, a professional evaluation can identify the root cause. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctors in Elkhorn can determine whether you’d benefit from advanced solutions like OptiLight IPL therapy, LipiFlow®, BlephEx®, or radiofrequency treatments.
We also help patients who wear contact lenses by performing a personalized contact lens exam. Properly fitted lenses can prevent additional dryness and discomfort. For severe cases, specialized lenses such as scleral lenses may be recommended.
Enjoy comfortable eyes every morning
Starting your day with refreshed, comfortable eyes is possible. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, dry eye treatment, or updated contact lenses, our team of eye doctors in Elkhorn can help you wake up feeling your best.
Call our office or schedule online today to find the most effective solution for morning dryness.
