Why do my eyes hurt when I wake up?
Waking up with eye pain can range from a mild nuisance to a sign of a more serious issue. Whether your discomfort is new or ongoing, understanding what’s behind it and how to address it can bring relief and protect your eye health.
We’re going to break down the common causes of waking up with eye pain and what you can do to care for your eyes.
Key Points
- Eye pain you wake up with can result from issues like dry eye or conditions such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis1 or corneal abrasions.2
- Treatments for eye pain include lubricating eye drops, warm compresses, and environmental adjustments like using a humidifier.1
- Persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated by an eye doctor to rule out serious conditions like glaucoma or infections.
Common Causes of Eye Pain When You Wake
Waking up with eye pain can stem from a variety of conditions, ranging from temporary dryness to chronic diseases. You may wake up with burning or soreness in one or both eyes that gradually reduces as the day progresses. Recognizing the causes of eye pain can help you identify the best way to find relief.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome (dry eye disease) is one of the most frequent reasons you may experience morning eye pain. It occurs when your tear production is insufficient or your tears evaporate too quickly. The surface of the eye becomes dry and may feel itchy or gritty.3
Factors contributing to dry eye disease include:3
- Prolonged screen time
- Low humidity levels in your home or bedroom
- Medications like antihistamines
- Aging, which naturally reduces tear production
To manage dry eye symptoms, start with a daily eyelid hygiene routine. Lubricating eye drops such as CorneaCare preservative-free artificial tears can offer soothing relief. Running a humidifier in your bedroom at night can also help prevent dry eye irritation.3
For more persistent symptoms, your eye doctor might recommend prescription dry eye treatments or procedures to improve tear production.3
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Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation along the edges of your eyelids caused by a build-up of oil, bacteria, or dead skin cells near the eyelashes. This condition can lead to redness, swelling, and crusting, which may feel worse upon waking.4
Treatment for blepharitis includes keeping your eyelids clean.4 Using CorneaCare warm compresses to soften any build-up and gently cleaning your eyelids with CorneaCare eyelid wipes can reduce inflammation.
Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
If your eyelids don’t fully close while you sleep, your eyes may dry out overnight. This condition, known as nocturnal lagophthalmos, leaves the surface of the eye exposed to air, causing irritation and discomfort.5
In mild cases, using lubricating eye drops or an overnight gel can help protect your eyes. For more severe cases, an eye doctor may recommend surgical options to improve eyelid closure.5
Eye Strain
Eye strain caused by excessive screen time, poor lighting, or uncorrected vision problems can lead to discomfort that lingers. If you’re like many people, you may not realize how much your daily habits contribute to eye strain until you experience persistent symptoms.6
Take regular screen breaks during the day and reduce your use of screens near bedtime. Check that your glasses or contact lenses have the correct prescription to help minimize strain.6
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Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses for too long, or sleeping in them, can irritate your eyes. Contact lenses reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, leading to discomfort or even more serious conditions like eye infections.7
You can avoid waking up with eye pain as a contact lens wearer by following the schedule set by your eye doctor and removing your lenses before sleep, if recommended.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens. It often leads to redness, itching, and discharge. If you wake up with sticky, crusted eyelids or your eyes feel gritty, conjunctivitis could be to blame.1
If you suspect bacterial conjunctivitis, see your eye doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops. For viral or allergic conjunctivitis, CorneaCare cool compresses or antihistamines can provide relief.1
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, often caused by a foreign object or an accidental injury. It can result in sharp pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.2
If you suspect a corneal abrasion, avoid touching your eye and see an eye doctor promptly. They can recommend treatment to prevent infection and support healing.
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Glaucoma
Certain types of glaucoma, like acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause severe eye pain. If you experience intense eye pain accompanied by blurry vision, nausea, and headaches, you should seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.7
Sinusitis
If you have a sinus infection, the pressure can create discomfort around your eyes, particularly when nasal congestion is at its worse. Sinusitis often comes with other symptoms like facial pain and headaches.7
Over-the-counter pain relievers and steam inhalation can ease sinus pressure. For chronic cases, a doctor might recommend further treatments.7
Eye Pain Symptoms to Watch For
When you wake up with eye pain you may also experience other symptoms. Recognizing these signs can help determine whether the issue is minor or requires medical attention:3
- Redness or swelling
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Gritty or foreign body sensations
- Discharge or crusting
- Persistent dryness
If you experience severe pain, vision changes, or symptoms that don’t improve, consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.2
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Treatment Options for Eye Pain
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your eye pain. Here’s how some of the common treatments work to relieve eye pain:1,3,7
- Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops: Provide instant relief for dryness and irritation.
- Warm compresses: Reduce inflammation and help with conditions like blepharitis or styes.
- Over-the-counter antihistamines: Address allergic conjunctivitis and reduce itching.
- Protective measures: A humidifier or moisture chamber goggles can improve overnight comfort.
- Prescription treatments: Your eye doctor may recommend medicated eye drops for more serious conditions like glaucoma or bacterial infections.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Some eye conditions require prompt care to prevent complications. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor if:2,3,7
- Eye pain worsens or doesn’t go away after trying at-home remedies
- You notice sudden changes in vision, such as blurry or double vision
- Your symptoms are accompanied by severe headaches, nausea, or vomiting
- You’ve recently experienced an eye injury or eye surgery
An eye doctor can assess your symptoms, identify the cause, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Preventing Eye Pain
Caring for your eyes proactively can reduce the likelihood of waking up with discomfort. Small changes to your routine can make a big difference:6
- Practice good eyelid hygiene: Clean your eyelids daily with CorneaCare eyelid wipes to prevent build-up and reduce the risk of infections.
- Create a healthy environment: Use a humidifier to combat dryness and an air purifier to avoid allergens in your bedroom.
- Rest your eyes: Limit screen time before bed and take regular breaks throughout the day.
- Prioritize eye exams: Regular check-ups with your eye doctor help catch and manage potential issues early.
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Waking Up with Eye Pain FAQs
You should be concerned if eye pain is severe, lasts more than a day, or is accompanied by symptoms like blurry vision, light sensitivity, redness, swelling, or discharge. Sudden vision changes, an eye injury, or signs of infection, such as crusting or pus, also warrant immediate attention. Persistent or worsening symptoms that interfere with your daily life should be evaluated by an eye doctor to rule out serious conditions.
Eye pain can indicate several issues, ranging from minor to serious. It might stem from dry eye, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, or eye strain. More concerning causes include corneal abrasions, infections, glaucoma, or sinusitis. Environmental factors like allergens or prolonged screen time can also contribute. If pain is severe or accompanied by vision changes, swelling, or redness, it could suggest a more serious condition requiring evaluation by an eye doctor.
Waking up with eye pain often result from dryness or nocturnal lagophthalmos, where your eyelids don’t fully close during sleep. Other causes include allergens in your bedroom, irritation from contact lenses, or build-up of debris on the eyelids. Low humidity in your sleeping environment can also worsen dryness. Using a humidifier, lubricating eye drops, or addressing allergens can help. If stinging persists, consult an eye doctor.
Relieving eye pain depends on its cause. Use lubricating eye drops or artificial tears to address dryness. Warm compresses can soothe irritation from blepharitis or strain. Improving bedroom humidity with a humidifier may also help. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen symptoms. If pain is linked to contact lens use or doesn’t improve with home remedies, schedule a visit with an eye doctor for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.
Putting It All Together
Waking up with eye pain can disrupt your day, but understanding the cause and taking steps to protect your eye health can provide relief. Whether it’s a minor issue like temporary dryness or a more serious condition like glaucoma, solutions are available to help you feel better. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention when needed—your vision is worth it.
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