A lot of people suffer from this issue of dry eyes especially when they wake up. This is very irritating and may also interfere with your routine tasks. There are many ways that you can consider for preventing dry eyes so that there are no complications during your eye exams. If you are also wondering how to stop waking up with dry eyes then this guide is a must-read for you. Here we will give a short introduction to dry eyes, their causes, and how you can treat or prevent them. On a general note having good eyelid hygiene, staying hydrated, using warm compressions, making environmental changes, and taking eye breaks are the most helpful strategies that you can opt for to prevent dry eyes.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eyes as the name says are a condition that involves insufficient lubrication of the eyes due to decreased tear production. Some of the most common symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Light sensitivity
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Blurry vision
- Eye fatigue
- A stinging, burning sensation in the eyes
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
Why do I keep waking up with dry eyes?
There are different reasons why you would wake up with dry eyes in the morning. The main cause behind this issue is compromised tear production in your eyes. Tears are a source of lubrication for the eyes. Less than normal tear production is an indication of dryness in the eyes leading to irritation and itching. The composition of every layer of the tear film includes water, mucus, and oil each having its own purpose. Water is responsible for protecting the eye and keeping it hydrated. Mucus is helpful in spreading the tears across the eye. Last but not least oil is good for preventing rapid evaporation of the tears. Any problem in the composition of your tear film will affect the functioning of the tears. So dehydration of the tear film will lead to the dryness of the eyes. Moreover less oil content in that tear film is also responsible for causing dry eyes as it initiates rapid evaporation.
Less Tear Production
The tear production in the eyes is decreased when the water level in your body is low. Moreover, this is also common during the aging process or several other factors including the use of contact lenses, Sjogren’s syndrome other medical conditions. Moreover, allergic eye disease and some medications can also lead to decreased tear production.
Less Oil Production
The tear evaporation rate is significantly increased when your body has low oil levels. Fast tear evaporation leads to discomfort and dry eyes. Meibomian gland dysfunction is the most common reason for increased tear evaporation. In this condition, there is clogging of the meibomian glands that are lining your eyelids. As a result, there will be a decrease in the oil content of your tear film. As a result, the tear evaporation rate will increase. Other potential causes of faster tear evaporation include Blepharitis, deficiency of vitamin A, infrequent blinking, smoke, wind, and dry air.
How to Stop Waking Up with Dry Eyes?
If you are also wondering how to stop dry eyes in the morning then this section is very helpful to you. It is very easy to prevent and manage dry eyes at home. Use these tips to get help with dry eyes in the future.
Use Warm Compresses
Using warm compresses is very helpful in soothing the discomfort caused by dry eyes. Moreover, it is also responsible for the restoration of your tear film. Some effective ways to treat dry eyes include unclogging the oil content in the meibomian glands, providing moisture to the eyes, and increasing blood flow to reduce swelling as well as relieve pain. For making a warm compress yourself at home you just need to have a few common things. Take an empty bowl and fill it with warm water. Use a washcloth for the compressions and soak it in the water to make it completely wet. Wring the cloth and use it for covering your eyes for about 10 minutes.
Follow a Good Eyelid Regime
The simplest answer to “How to stop dry eyes at home?” Is to follow a good eyelid regime. This is helpful in preventing and reducing eyelid irritation. You can also use any mild cleanser for cleaning your eyelids. Make sure you apply it with a washcloth and then massage it into your eyelids with the help of warm water. Always be gentle with cleaning your eyelids and don’t forget to wash thoroughly afterwards.
Make Environmental Changes
Making environmental changes can also help you with dry eyes. Adding a humidifier to your environment would be a great remedy for preventing dry eyes. It provides moisture to your eyes and decreases dry air in your surrounding. Also, you should get rid of any irritants present in the environment that cause harm to your eyes. Think of purchasing an air filter for your room to prevent eye irritation and dryness.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the key strategy to prevent and treat dry eyes. Always drink a sufficient quantity of water daily to prevent the reduction of water content in your body. Adequate water levels in the body promote enough tear production and prevent dry eyes.
Give Your Eyes a Break
If you are wondering “how to stop dry eyes at night” make sure to give your eyes a little break. Avoid staying up late on your phone all night and reduce your screen time to relax your eyes. Putting unnecessary strain on your eyes can also lead to irritation and discomfort. Moreover, if you are wearing artificial lenses always take them out before going to sleep.
Conclusion
Dry eyes are uncomfortable and irritating but very easy to prevent. Make sure you follow the above-mentioned prevention strategies to avoid this issue and save yourself from future eye complications. But in some cases, these home remedies might not work if the severity of the issue is high. For that, you have to visit an optometrist and get appropriate medical help. Also, do not miss your regular eye appointments to keep a check on your eye health and avoid any bigger complications.
FAQs:
How much water is recommended to consume daily to prevent dry eyes?
The recommended quantity of water per day is from 8-10 glasses. Consuming this quantity of water on a regular basis can prevent you from waking up at night with dry eyes.
How to stop dry eyes from watering?
The best strategies to stop dry eyes from watering include protecting them from high-pressure air contact, wearing protective eyewear, limiting your screen time, and avoiding putting too much strain on your eyes.
What are the complications of dry eyes?
The most common complications of dry eyes include infections, damage to the eye surface, and loss of eye functions. Insufficient moisture content in the eyes can lead to infections. If dry eyes remain untreated for a long time they can cause inflammation, corneal ulcers, damage to the corneal surface, and loss of vision.
