Waking up with dry, irritated eyes can be uncomfortable and frustrating. If your eyes feel scratchy, gritty, or even sore first thing in the morning, you’re not alone. Morning dry eye is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors, including sleep habits, environmental conditions, and underlying health concerns.
Dry eye syndrome is a condition that doesn’t go away overnight—many people experience symptoms throughout the day and night. Understanding what causes morning dryness is the first step toward finding relief and improving overall eye comfort. Treatment options for dry eye include a number of at-home remedies as well as modern in-office therapies.
Common Causes of Morning Dry Eyes
Environmental Factors
- Dry bedroom environment – Sleeping in a room with low humidity can cause tears to evaporate quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry when you wake up. Running a humidifier at night can help maintain moisture in the air.
- Airflow exposure – Sleeping near a fan, air conditioning, or heating vent can cause constant airflow across your eyes, leading to increased dryness. Adjusting airflow direction or using a sleep mask may help.
- Allergies – Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger eye inflammation, leading to dryness and discomfort. Pollen, dust, and pet dander are common culprits, and keeping your bedroom allergen-free can help reduce symptoms. Winter weather can also can irritate eyes, sometimes watery, or sometimes causing dry eye symptoms.
Sleep-Related Issues
- Incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos) – Some people sleep with their eyelids partially open, which can cause moisture to evaporate from the eye surface. This can lead to morning irritation and discomfort. If you experience this, a sleep mask or moisture goggles may help.
- Sleep disorders – Conditions like sleep apnea can impact circulation and oxygen levels, which may affect tear production and contribute to dry eye symptoms. Sleep apnea is also linked to floppy eyelid syndrome, a condition where the eyelids easily turn outward during sleep, exposing the eyes to air and causing dryness.
Health Conditions & Medications
- Certain medications – Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production, leading to dry eyes. If you suspect your medication is affecting your eyes, consult your doctor.
- Underlying eye conditions – Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and Sjögren’s syndrome (an autoimmune condition affecting moisture-producing glands) can cause chronic dry eye and may require specific treatments to manage symptoms.
Lifestyle Factors
- Screen time before bed – Staring at screens for extended periods reduces blink rate, which can lead to dry, irritated eyes and digital eye strain. Taking breaks and following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help reduce strain.
- Contact lens wear – Wearing contacts for too long, especially overnight, can disrupt the eye’s natural tear balance, leading to dryness. Switching to daily disposables or giving your eyes a break from lenses before bed can help.
- Dehydration – Not drinking enough water can lead to reduced tear production, making your eyes feel dry upon waking. Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential for maintaining overall health, including eye moisture.
- Sleeping with makeup on – Failing to remove eye makeup before bed can clog the oil glands along the eyelid, contributing to dryness and irritation. Establishing a nightly cleansing routine helps maintain eye hygiene and tear health.
At-Home Solutions for Morning Dry Eye
If you wake up with dry eyes regularly, simple adjustments to your sleep habits and environment may help alleviate discomfort.
- Use a humidifier – Adding moisture to your bedroom can help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Apply artificial tears – Using preservative-free artificial tears before bed and in the morning can help keep your eyes hydrated.
- Wear a sleep mask – A sleep mask or moisture goggles can help keep eyelids closed and protect against airflow.
- Practice good eyelid hygiene – Gently cleaning your eyelids with a warm compress or lid wipes can help manage conditions like blepharitis.
- Adjust screen habits – Reduce screen time before bed and remember to blink often to help distribute tears evenly.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water throughout the day helps support tear production and eye moisture.
- Limit contact lens wear – Give your eyes a break by wearing glasses in the evening instead of contacts.
When to See an Eye Doctor for Dry Eye
If morning dry eye symptoms persist despite trying home remedies, it may be time to seek professional treatment. Chronic dry eye can indicate an underlying condition that requires specialized care.
Signs that you should schedule an eye exam include:
- Persistent dry, irritated eyes despite using artificial tears
- Blurred vision or discomfort that worsens over time
- Sensitivity to light or difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Frequent redness or inflammation in the eyes
An eye doctor can evaluate your symptoms, check for underlying conditions, and recommend personalized treatment options to help you find long-term relief.
In-Office Dry Eye Treatments
Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care provides a range of dry eye treatments designed to address different causes of the condition. These treatments focus on improving tear quality, reducing inflammation, and relieving discomfort for long-term management.
- OptiLight by Lumenis – IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy helps reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function.
- Radio Frequency (NuEra) – Uses gentle heat to support collagen production and eyelid health, helping with tear stability.
- Punctal plugs – Small inserts placed in the tear ducts to help keep the eyes naturally lubricated by slowing tear drainage.
- Lipiflow – A thermal pulsation treatment that helps clear blockages in the meibomian glands and restore oil flow for a more stable tear film.
- Intraductal Meibomian Probing – A procedure to open blocked oil glands, allowing for improved tear production.
- Vital Tears & PRP Custom Drops – Autologous serum eye drops (ASEDs) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) drops use natural healing properties to support dry eye relief.
Each treatment is based on a patient’s specific needs and symptoms. The first step is to book a regular eye exam to discuss your symptoms and follow the appropriate treatment recommended by your optometrist.
Find Relief for Dry Eye at Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care
Waking up with dry, irritated eyes can interfere with your comfort and quality of life, but there are effective solutions available. Whether your symptoms are due to environmental factors, lifestyle habits, or an underlying condition, an eye care professional can help determine the best treatment plan for you.
At Higgins Brothers’ Vision Care, we specialize in dry eye management and personalized solutions to keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day and night. If morning dry eye is affecting your routine, schedule an appointment today to find relief and protect your eye health.
