Waking up to a new day should leave you feeling refreshed. But morning eye pain can show up as stinging, grittiness, or even a need to rub your eyes first thing. But why does it happen?
There can be several causes of sore eyes in the morning:
- Dry eyes
- Eye infection
- Inflammation
- Allergies
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Environmental conditions
- Eyelid issues
A comprehensive eye exam can help pinpoint the cause of your morning symptoms. With an accurate diagnosis, recommended treatment can provide vision comfort.
Eye Pain & Sore Eyes
Eye pain can feel different for everyone. It might be slight soreness, sharp and stabbing pain, dull and achy, or feel like something stuck in your eye. You can also experience sore eyes in one or both eyes and may come with other symptoms, such as:
- Blurry vision
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
No matter how it feels, eye pain can indicate something isn’t right and needs addressing.
Why Do Eyes Hurt in the Morning?
Waking up with eye pain can stem from several causes.
- Dry eye: Dry eyes are one of the common reasons for morning discomfort. If your tears aren’t providing enough moisture, you might feel burning, grittiness, or blurry vision right when you wake up.
- Eye infections: Infections like pink eye (conjunctivitis) or styes can cause redness, irritation, and pain. Without treatment, symptoms can persist and cause sore eyes in the morning.
- Inflammation: Conditions like blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, can leave your eyes feeling itchy, dry, or sensitive to light in the morning.
- Allergies: If you’re allergic to pollen, dust, or pet dander, you might wake up with itchy, watery, or irritated eyes.
- Eye strain: Late-night scrolling on a digital device or binge-watching can overwork your eyes, leading to strain and discomfort by morning.
- Headaches: Certain headaches, like migraines or sinus-related ones, can feel like eye pain.
- Environmental conditions: The surrounding air can impact your eyes. Sleeping in a room that’s overly dry or exposed to air conditioning, heating, or fans could dry out your eyes as you sleep.
- Eyelid issues: Incomplete eyelid closure during sleep, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, can leave your eyes exposed and prone to irritation and soreness in the morning.
Relief for Morning Eye Pain
The good news is that you can address morning sore eyes with several at-home strategies and in-office treatments.
At-home strategies and remedies can include the following:
- Cold compress: Soothe burning or itchy eyes with a cool cloth.
- Over-the-counter eye drops: Hydrate dry eyes and reduce irritation.
- Humidifiers: Add moisture to the air if your bedroom feels excessively dry.
- Pillow positioning: Sleep slightly elevated if your sore eyes are tied to sinus or allergy issues.
- Avoid screens several hours before bed to reduce eye strain.
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule to allow your eyes (and body) to rest properly.
- Remove contact lenses before bed, and always moisturize your eyes or eyelids with doctor-approved solutions if they feel dry.
- Use hypoallergenic bedding to protect against dust mites and allergens.
- Keep windows and surfaces clean to reduce pollen or dander buildup.
- Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated throughout the day—not just at bedtime—as dehydration can affect both your body and your eyes.
Sometimes, morning eye pain needs professional attention. See your eye doctor if you experience persistent discomfort or symptoms like redness, discharge, or extreme sensitivity to light. Early treatment can prevent bigger issues down the road.
In-office treatments can include:
- Medicated eye drops or ointments: For infections or inflammation.
- Allergy medication: Oral or eye-drop options can help combat allergies.
- Punctal plugs or inserts: These can keep your eyes lubricated longer.
- Meibomian gland treatments: Help unclog oil glands to improve tear quality.
Don’t Skip Your Eye Exams
If sore eyes when waking up is a recurring issue, it might be time to visit your eye doctor. Some underlying conditions—like dry eyes, allergies, or even eyelid concerns—require professional diagnosis.
Regular eye exams can help uncover and manage these issues, providing relief when needed most. Your eye doctor can also recommend specialized treatments, such as prescription eye drops, in-office therapies, or strategies individualized to your specific needs.
Keep Your Eyes Feeling Great All Day
Your eyes deserve love and care, so don’t let morning pain hold you back! Simple habits like taking screen breaks, practicing good eye hygiene, and getting regular eye check-ups can make a big difference.
If morning eye pain affects your day, book an appointment with Total Vision Diamond Bar, to find the root cause, treat it, and keep your vision comfortable all day.
