Waking up with sore or aching eyes isn’t the best way to start your day. But if morning eye pain is something you’re dealing with regularly, you’re far from alone. While minor cases of eye pain in the morning can often be attributed to temporary issues like poor sleep or strained eyes from screen overuse the night before, persistent or severe discomfort may suggest a deeper problem and signal that you should see an eye doctor.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe eye pain, it’s always a good idea to check in with your eye doctor for an eye exam. The cause may be a simple fix, but preventing a bigger problem is always better than trying to treat an issue that has developed over time.
Possible Causes of Morning Eye Pain
Understanding what might be contributing to your discomfort is key to finding relief. Here are some of the most common causes of morning eye pain.
Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or they evaporate too quickly. It’s a frequent culprit behind morning eye pain. Overnight, your eyes naturally slow tear production, which can make dryness more pronounced when you wake up.
Common symptoms of dry eyes include redness, a gritty sensation, or blurred vision. If you regularly wake up feeling like there’s sandpaper in your eyes, your tear film may need some extra attention.
Allergies
Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, or pollen can irritate your eyes while you sleep, leading to morning discomfort and dry eyes. If itchiness, redness, or watery eyes accompany your eye pain, allergies may be the root cause.
Glaucoma
Not all morning eye pain is harmless. Glaucoma is a condition typically caused by increased internal eye pressure, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Angle-closure glaucoma, in particular, is associated with sudden, intense eye pain, often accompanied by nausea, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights.
If you experience these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is critical.
Eye Infections
Bacterial or viral infections, such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), can also cause eye pain in the morning. If your eyelids are crusted together, your eyes feel tender, or you notice unusual discharge, you may be dealing with an infection that requires professional treatment.
Corneal Erosions
Corneal erosions are a common cause of sudden eye pain upon waking. They occur when the outer layer of the cornea doesn’t adhere properly and sticks to the eyelid during sleep. When you open your eyes, this layer can tear, causing sharp pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Corneal erosions often affect people with a history of eye injuries or previous corneal abrasions. If you’re regularly waking up with intense eye discomfort, it’s worth speaking to your optometrist to see if corneal erosion may be the cause.
Corneal Abrasions or Injuries
Your cornea is highly sensitive, and scratches or injuries can become more noticeable when you wake up. If your cornea has been compromised, you might experience sharp pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and excessive tearing.
When to Worry About Morning Eye Pain
Morning eye pain isn’t always a sign of something serious, but knowing what to watch for can save your vision and give you peace of mind. Below are a few situations that warrant a visit to an eye doctor:
- The pain is constant or severe: If your discomfort doesn’t subside within a few hours or becomes debilitating, you should get it checked out.
- Vision changes occur: Sudden blurriness, double vision, or vision loss should never be ignored.
- There’s discharge from your eye: Yellow or green discharge often indicates an infection.
- You’re experiencing other symptoms: Eye pain accompanied by nausea, headaches, or light sensitivity could point to glaucoma, migraines, or other severe conditions.
- Over-the-counter solutions don’t work: If lubricating eye drops or allergy treatments don’t help, there could be an underlying issue that requires professional care.
If any of these apply to you, schedule an appointment with us today. Our expert eye doctors can diagnose the issue and recommend an effective treatment plan.
Prevention Tips for Morning Eye Pain
Taking care of your eyes daily can go a long way toward preventing discomfort.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
If dry eyes are the issue, over-the-counter tear substitutes can provide much-needed relief and moisture. Look for preservative-free options for gentle hydration.
Invest in a Humidifier
Dry indoor air can exacerbate symptoms of both dry eyes and allergies. Adding a humidifier to your bedroom can help maintain the ideal moisture levels overnight.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Your eyes need rest, too. Sleep well and keep your bedroom dark and clean to avoid unnecessary irritation from lack of rest or allergens.
Take Screen Breaks
Prolonged screen usage can cause eye strain, which may turn into morning discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule while working on digital devices—every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Keep Allergies in Check
If you’re prone to allergies, wash pillowcases frequently, use hypoallergenic bedding, and consider allergy medication. These steps can reduce allergens that irritate your eyes during the night.
Wear Protective Eyewear
If you work in environments that pose risks to your eyes, such as construction or labs, always use protective goggles to avoid injuries that could cause pain later.
Regular Eye Exams
Don’t forget those routine visits to your eye doctor. They can help detect issues early and keep your eyes healthy for the long haul.
Caring for Your Eyes Means Caring for Your Health
Your eyes work hard for you every day, so giving them the care they deserve is essential. Morning eye pain might be a minor inconvenience, but it could also be a sign of an underlying issue that needs addressing. Whether you’re dealing with dry eyes, allergies, or something more serious, recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can make a difference.
If morning eye pain bothers you and you’re unsure of the cause, schedule an appointment with 2020 Eyecare Ohio today. Our friendly and experienced team is here to help diagnose and treat your symptoms so you can get back to starting your day hassle-free.
