Waking up with gritty, sore, or irritated eyes can make it even more difficult to start your day. If your eyes feel tired or dry first thing in the morning, it may be more than just a restless night’s sleep. In some cases, you may need to see a professional for dry eye treatment in Rockford to address persistent symptoms.
In this blog, we’ll share common causes of dry eyes in the morning and how to find relief—both at home and with professional care.
Why are my eyes dry when I wake up?
Morning dryness can happen for several reasons. Here are the most common factors:
Poor tear quality
Your tears have three layers: oil, water, and mucus. If the oil layer is insufficient, your tears may evaporate too quickly while you sleep, causing that scratchy, irritated feeling in the morning.
Blocked meibomian glands
The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce the oily part of your tear film. When they get clogged, your tears don’t stay on the eye surface as long as they should. This condition, known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), is a leading cause of dry eyes.
Sleeping environment
Fans, heaters, or air conditioning can create dry indoor air that worsens morning dryness. Sleeping under direct airflow or in a very dry room can make your eyes feel uncomfortable when you wake.
Nocturnal lagophthalmos
This condition occurs when your eyelids don’t fully close during sleep, often linked to nerve or muscle issues. Over time, it can affect the surface of your eyes and contribute to persistent dryness.
Solutions for dry eyes in the morning
If you consistently wake up with dry eyes, there are plenty of ways to improve your comfort:
- Use a humidifier to keep bedroom air moist overnight
- Artificial tears: preservative-free drops like Optase (available at our office) can provide quick relief
- Warm compresses: we offer D.E.R.M. heated eye masks by EyeEco to help unclog oil glands
- Moisture protection: sleep masks or moisture goggles shield your eyes while you rest
- Avoid direct airflow from fans or vents while sleeping
- Gentle eyelid hygiene: tea tree oil wipes like Optase or Blephadex reduce irritation and debris
- Omega-3 supplements: Nordic Naturals supports tear production and overall eye health
Professional dry eye care
If home routines and eye drops aren’t enough, professional care can address the root causes of dryness. At Bella Vista Family Eye Care, our team offers advanced treatments such as OptiLight IPL therapy, which targets inflammation and improves the function of your meibomian glands. Combined with personalized recommendations and at-home care, IPL therapy can help you wake up with more comfortable, clearer eyes.
A comprehensive eye exam allows our eye doctor to identify specific issues and create a plan tailored to your needs. Whether you experience dry eye with contact lenses or want advice on managing dry eye long-term, we’re here to help.
To schedule an appointment, please call us today or use our online appointment request form.