At the end of a long day, you finally get into bed, ready to rest. But instead of feeling relaxed, your eyes start to burn, itch, or feel gritty and dry. Maybe you reach for your eye drops every night before you sleep, or you wake up feeling like your eyes are dry as sandpaper.
If this scenario sounds familiar, you might suffer from dry eye. Many people experience dry eyes at night, and determining the underlying cause can help you find the best treatment. Let’s take a look at what might be causing your nighttime dry eye symptoms and how we can help you find lasting relief.
Common causes of dry eyes at night
Reduced blinking during sleep and dry indoor air can contribute to nighttime dryness. However, several other factors may also lead to dry eyes, especially if your symptoms worsen in the evening or after a long day.
1. Extended screen time
Spending hours on phones, tablets, or computers can lead to digital eye strain and decreased blinking. Less blinking means less tear distribution across the eyes, leaving them feeling dry and irritated later in the day.
2. Contact lens wear
Wearing contact lenses for long periods can reduce oxygen flow to your eyes and absorb moisture, resulting in dryness. If you wear your lenses late into the evening or fall asleep in them, this could be contributing to your discomfort.
3. Medications
Certain medications can reduce tear production or affect tear quality, increasing the likelihood of dry eyes at night. Here are some examples of medications that can contribute to dry eyes:
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Birth control pills
- Blood pressure medications
If you’ve started a new medication and noticed increased dryness, talk to your eye doctor to see if there is a connection.
4. Underlying medical conditions
Some health issues can interfere with your eyes’ ability to produce or maintain a healthy tear film, including:
- Autoimmune disorders (like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Thyroid conditions
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
These conditions can quietly contribute to dry eye, especially later in the day when your eyes are tired.
Get long-term relief with IPL therapy
If you’ve tried artificial tears and home remedies or changed your contact lens routine with little success, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Rockford at Bella Vista Family Eye Care. One of our most effective options is OptiLight IPL therapy.
This FDA-approved light-based treatment targets the underlying inflammation that leads to dry eye and addresses a main cause: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These tiny glands produce the oil layer of your tears, which keeps moisture from evaporating too quickly.
With just a few quick sessions, OptiLight can:
- Reduce inflammation around the eyes
- Improve tear quality and stability
- Relieve dryness and irritation, both during the day and night
- Help you sleep more comfortably without eye discomfort
Don’t let dry eyes ruin your evenings
The best way to get lasting relief is to figure out what’s causing your symptoms and address them with professional care and solutions. At Bella Vista Family Eye Care, we will determine the underlying cause and recommend treatments customized to your needs. Book an eye exam today for up-to-date, comprehensive care.