That gritty, burning feeling in your eyes first thing in the morning is an unwelcome start to any day. If you often wake up with uncomfortable, irritated eyes, you’re not alone, and the team at Calgary Family Eye Doctors understands your frustration.
Several common causes can lead to a burning sensation upon waking, but you can take steps to find relief. Most often, that burning feeling is a sign that your eyes have become too dry or were exposed to irritants while you slept.
Common Reasons for Morning Eye Discomfort
Waking up with burning eyes often points to issues that happened overnight. The cause is usually dryness or irritation that develops while you sleep.
Dry Eye
Your eyes need a constant layer of tears to stay healthy and comfortable. If your tear production slows overnight or your tears evaporate too quickly, you may be experiencing dry eye symptoms. This lack of moisture can leave them feeling irritated in the morning.
Allergies
Your bedroom can be a source of allergens that bother your eyes while you sleep. Common culprits you might find in your room include:
- Dust mites in your bedding and pillows
- Pet dander from furry family members
- Pollen that comes in through open windows
Eyelid Inflammation (Blepharitis)
Eyelid inflammation happens when the tiny oil glands along your eyelids get clogged and inflamed. It can leave your eyes feeling gritty, sticky, and sore when you wake up. You might also notice some crustiness along your eyelashes.
Incomplete Eyelid Closure
Sometimes, your eyelids may not close completely during sleep—even a small gap can cause problems. The exposure allows air to dry out the surface of your eye all night, leading to significant burning and discomfort in the morning.
Your Daily Habits & Your Eyes
What you do during the day and right before bed can have a big impact on how your eyes feel the next morning. A few simple changes to your routine can often make a difference.
Digital Screen Use
You tend to blink less when you look at screens, which can lead to dry, tired eyes. If you spend many hours on a computer or phone, that digital eye strain can carry over and make your eyes feel worse when you wake up.
Your Sleep Environment
Ceiling fans or air conditioners blowing directly at your face can dry out your eyes as you sleep. A bedroom with very low humidity, common in dry climates or winter months, can have the same effect.
Makeup & Contact Lenses
Sleeping with eye makeup on can clog glands and cause irritation. Similarly, sleeping in contact lenses or wearing them for longer than recommended can deprive your eyes of oxygen, leading to discomfort.
Simple At-Home Tips for Relief
You can often manage morning eye irritation with a few simple changes to your routine. These small adjustments can help your eyes feel more comfortable when you wake up.
Adjust Your Sleep Space
Try to aim fans away from your face. If your home’s air is dry, a humidifier in your bedroom can add helpful moisture back into the air while you sleep.
Practice Good Lid Hygiene
Gently clean your eyelids before bed with a warm washcloth to remove irritants and makeup. This simple step helps keep the oil glands along your lash line clear and functioning properly.
Rethink Your Night Routine
Remember to remove all eye makeup before you go to sleep. It can also help to take a break from screens for at least an hour before bed to give your eyes a rest.
How a Warm Compress Can Help
A simple warm compress is a great way to soothe irritated eyes. We recommend picking up a heat mask from Calgary Family Eye Doctors, warming it as directed, and placing it over your closed eyelids until it cools slightly. The gentle heat helps relax your eyes, stimulate tear production, and loosen clogged oils in the eyelids. After removing the mask, gently massage your eyelids to further help release the oils and improve comfort.
When to Book an Eye Exam
If at-home care doesn’t provide relief or your symptoms get worse, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Persistent burning, redness, or changes in your vision are signs that you should get your eyes checked. A thorough examination with your Family Eye Doctors in Calgary can help figure out the specific cause of your discomfort. The team at Calgary Family Eye Doctors can work with you to find a solution so you can start your day with eyes that feel refreshed and comfortable.
