Waking up should feel refreshing, but starting your day with a burning sensation in your eyes can be uncomfortable and concerning. If you often find your eyes feel scratchy, gritty, or irritated in the morning, you’re not alone.
Vision changes happen gradually, and it’s easy to dismiss these feelings as temporary discomfort or normal sleep in the eyes. Most often, a burning feeling when you wake up comes from factors like overnight dry eye, allergens in your bedroom, or even your evening habits. Let’s explore some common reasons for this experience and what you can do to find relief.
Common Reasons for Morning Eye Discomfort
Several factors can contribute to a burning feeling when you first open your eyes. The cause is often related to your environment or daily routine, which you can adjust to help you feel more comfortable.
Dry Eyes
Your eyes produce fewer tears while you sleep. For some people, this reduced tear production leads to dryness and irritation overnight. Lack of moisture can result in a scratchy or burning feeling when you wake up and blink.
Allergens in Your Bedroom
Your bedroom can be a source of common allergens that irritate your eyes while you sleep. These nearly invisible particles can settle on your bedding and stir up every time you move. They include:
- Dust mites in bedding or carpets
- Pet dander from furry friends
- Mold in damp areas
Your Evening Routine
What you do before bed can affect how your eyes feel the next day. For instance, staring at digital screens for long periods can lead to digital eye strain, while forgetting to remove contact lenses can significantly dry out your eyes.
How Sleep & Your Environment Affect Your Eyes
Quality rest is important for your entire body—including your eyes. During sleep, your eyes get a chance to recover and replenish their natural moisture. Poor sleep can disrupt this important process, contributing to dry eye.
The air in your bedroom also plays a role. For instance, a fan or air conditioner can circulate dry air, causing the moisture on the surface of your eyes to evaporate more quickly.
Simple At-Home Tips for Relief
You can try a few simple adjustments to help prevent that morning burn:
- Adjust Your Sleep Space: A humidifier can add moisture to the air while you sleep. It also helps to wash your bedding frequently in hot water to reduce allergens.
- Modify Your Evening Habits: Try to reduce screen time an hour or so before bed. Always remove your contact lenses before you fall asleep.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps your entire body—and your eyes—stay properly hydrated from the inside out.
Dry Eye Treatment Options
If home remedies don’t provide enough relief, an eye care professional can recommend other options tailored to your needs. A thorough eye exam can help identify the reason for your discomfort and find the appropriate course of action, which may include professional and custom dry eye treatment.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Also known as artificial tears, these over-the-counter drops can provide immediate moisture and relief when your eyes feel dry.
- Prescription Treatments: For more persistent dry eye, an optometrist might suggest prescription eye drops that help your eyes produce more of their own natural tears.
- Eyelid Hygiene: Specific eyelid cleansers or warm compresses can help with conditions like blepharitis—an inflammation of the eyelids that can cause burning and crusting.
When to See an Eye Doctor in Kelowna
Occasional irritation might not be a major concern, but persistent symptoms are a sign that it’s time to schedule a visit. An eye doctor in Kelowna can help determine the root cause of the problem and recommend a path toward lasting relief.
It’s a good idea to book an appointment if you notice these signs:
- The burning sensation is constant or gets worse
- Your vision becomes blurry
- You see significant redness or swelling
- Your eyes produce a sticky discharge
You don’t have to start your day with uncomfortable, burning eyes. If you’re looking for answers and relief, our team at Tutt Street Optometry is here to help. Schedule a visit to discuss your symptoms, so that we can find a solution that works for you.
