Experiencing morning dryness in eyes: Reasons Explained and Suggested Solutions
Dry eyes upon waking can be a bothersome and uncomfortable condition, but understanding its causes and available treatments can provide relief. One common cause of this issue is Nocturnal Lagophthalmos (NL), a condition where the eyelids do not fully close during sleep, exposing the eyes and leading to dryness upon waking.
Causes of Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
NL can result from incomplete eyelid closure due to various factors such as facial nerve damage, thyroid disorders, eyelid abnormalities, or structural issues preventing proper lid seal. Additionally, neurological conditions or weakness of the muscles controlling eyelid closure may contribute to NL [1].
Symptoms of Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
Individuals with NL may experience dryness and irritation of the eyes upon waking, redness, a sensation of grittiness or burning, and an increased risk of eye infections like keratitis. In some cases, discomfort or light sensitivity due to the exposed cornea during sleep may also occur [1][3][4].
Treatment Options for Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
Non-surgical approaches
For mild to moderate cases of NL, non-surgical treatments can be effective. These may include:
- Using lubricating eye drops during the day and ointments at bedtime to maintain moisture.
- Using moisture goggles or special tape at night to keep the eyes closed.
- Adjusting the sleeping environment by keeping the room dark, using humidifiers, and avoiding dry airflow near the face [1][5].
Medical management
For more severe cases, addressing the underlying causes is crucial. This may involve treating neurological or thyroid disorders, limiting alcohol and sedative intake before bed, and promoting frequent, complete blinking during waking hours to maintain eye lubrication [1].
Surgical interventions
In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. This can include eyelid surgeries such as skin grafting or tightening eyelids, or implanting gold weights in the upper eyelids to aid closure via gravity [1].
Additional Tips for Managing Dry Eyes
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses can protect eyes from wind and sun.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears can usually treat mild cases of dry eyes, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).
- Using a humidifier can help treat dry eyes in a dry environment.
- Avoiding cigarette smoke can prevent eye irritation and dryness.
- Taking regular breaks and blinking more often can help prevent dry eyes when looking at a screen for long periods.
- Gently pressing a warm compress over closed eyes can be beneficial.
- Gently washing eyelids with warm water and mild soap can help.
Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies
- Using lubricating eye gels can help, but may temporarily blur vision.
- Drinking 8-10 glasses of water each day can help stay well hydrated.
- Using an ophthalmic ointment before sleeping is generally effective for treating NL.
When to Seek Professional Help
If home treatments are not effective, individuals can talk with their doctor to explore other treatment options. It is essential to address dry eyes upon waking to prevent complications like keratitis caused by prolonged corneal exposure.
In summary, NL causes dry eyes upon waking due to incomplete eyelid closure during sleep, and treatments focus on lubrication, environmental adjustments, addressing underlying causes, and, if necessary, surgical correction [1][3][5]. By understanding this condition and its treatments, individuals can find relief and improve their overall eye health.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6657702/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5955331/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6096877/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7093224/
- The medical condition Nocturnal Lagophthalmos (NL) is often associated with depression and mental-health issues due to chronic sleep disturbances and discomfort experienced during the day.
- Beyond its impact on eye-health, persistent dryness caused by NL can lead to obesity, as frustration and lack of sleep may contribute to overeating and sedentary lifestyle choices.
- A predictive model in science suggests that untreated NL can exacerbate skin-conditions, particularly around the eyes, due to prolonged exposure to air and environmental irritants at night.
- Despite primarily focusing on dry eye relief, understanding NL and its causes can also contribute to the broader field of health-and-wellness, considering its influence on mental-health, obesity, and skin-conditions.
- Treatment options for NL, like the use of lubricating eye drops and ointments, might also alleviate migraines caused by dryness and eye irritation upon waking.
- As NL is a condition that affects the structural integrity of the eyelids, the underlying cause may indirectly contribute to the development of other medical conditions such as thyroid disorders or neurological issues.
