Dry eye is a pretty common condition that happens when the eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. It can result in symptoms such as itching, burning, and blurred vision. Many people with dry eyes find that their symptoms are more severe in the morning, which can be due to various factors. In this post, we will discuss why you may experience more severe dry eye symptoms in the morning and how to reduce their severity:

Causes of More Severe Dry Eye Symptoms in the Morning

Here are just a few common causes of constant dry eyes in the mornings:

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos

This is a condition in which the eyelid fails to close completely during sleep. This can cause dryness, irritation, and other complications in the eye. It is a fairly common condition that can affect anyone but is especially common in older adults.

The exact cause of nocturnal lagophthalmos is unknown, but it is believed to be related to aging, muscle weakness, or nerve damage. It is more common in people with medical conditions like Bell's palsy, stroke, diabetes, and thyroid disease. It can also be due to trauma, such as a chemical burn or an injury to the face.

Symptoms of nocturnal lagophthalmos include dry eyes, irritation, redness, and vision problems. If left untreated, long-term complications can occur, such as corneal ulcers, infection, and vision loss.

Environment

The environment can significantly affect the severity of one's morning dry eye symptoms. For starters, the air in your home can contain allergens, dust, and other debris that can irritate the eyes. Additionally, air conditioning and heaters are often used in the home, which can reduce the humidity in the air and create an inhospitable environment for the eyes. If your home environment is particularly dry, it could exacerbate your dry eye symptoms in the morning.

Another environmental factor to consider is the weather. Cold, dry air can be especially difficult to adjust to in the morning, as can excessively windy or sunny days. Wind and sun can cause dryness and irritation, leading to more severe dry eye symptoms in the morning.

Blepharitis

This is an eyelid inflammation often due to bacteria but can also be caused by allergies, skin conditions, or even an overabundance of oil on the eyelids. Blepharitis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including burning, redness, itching, excessive tearing, and a sensation of having something in your eye. In the morning, these symptoms are often worse because bacteria and other irritants can accumulate on the eyelids during sleep.

Medications 

These can cause dry eye symptoms because they can interfere with the production of tears. This can occur when a person takes certain types of medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and some types of blood pressure medications. These medications can reduce the amount of tears that are produced by the eyes, resulting in dry eye symptoms.

How to Address Morning Dry Eye

The first step in addressing morning dry eye symptoms is to determine what is causing the issue. Once you have identified the root cause of your morning dry eye, you can work to address the issue.

One of the best ways to address morning dry eye symptoms is to use artificial tears. These are available over the counter, and they can help offset the dryness and irritation caused by dry eye. If you are using artificial tears, be sure to use them as directed on the package.

Another way to address morning dry eye symptoms is to use a humidifier. A humidifier helps to increase the humidity in the air, which can help to reduce the dryness and irritation of your eyes. When using a humidifier, be sure to keep it clean and change the water regularly. 

You can also try dry eye masks. They are an innovative tool used to help relieve the symptoms associated with dry eyes. They are designed to provide relief from dryness, irritation, and other symptoms that dry eyes can cause.

Conclusion

Dry eye in the morning can be worse due to various causes, some of which are shared in this post. To reduce the symptoms of dry eye in the morning, it is vital to ensure that you get the proper amount of sleep, drink lots of fluids, and use products for dry eye relief.

For the best dry eye relief at home, try Dry Eye Mask. We specialize in the treatment and prevention of dry and itchy eyes. Check out our products today!