Waking up with eye pain can be very frustrating. You just got some rest, and yet, your eyes are already bothering you. You’re not alone.
A lot of people actually come into Refine Optometry and say the same thing. So let’s talk about it.
I’m Dr. Joy Lam, an Optometrist near Palo Alto, and if your eyes hurt in the morning, there are some common (and not-so-common) reasons behind it.
Let’s explain everything in a way that actually makes sense, what’s really going on with your eyes and what you can do about it.
Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Wake Up?
(Quick Answer)
Eye pain upon waking can be caused by several common factors, including:
Dry eyes are one of the most common culprits, but morning eye pain can also be made worse by screen strain, contact lens wear, or underlying conditions.
If pain happens frequently, it’s a good idea to see an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.
First, Is It Normal for Eyes to Hurt When You Wake Up?
Honestly, sometimes it can be normal. Maybe your eyes just feel a little dry or gritty after sleeping. This can happen.
But if this is something you notice often— for instance every morning or most days — then it’s worth paying attention to.
Pain is your body’s way of saying, “hey, something’s off; help me out here.”
Common Reasons Why Your Eyes Hurt in the Morning
Dry Eyes While Sleeping
Dryness is one of the most common reasons for eye pain in the morning. Less tear production occurs while we are asleep. For some, reduced lubrication causes dry, irritated eyes upon waking, especially if they sleep with eyes slightly open (nocturnal lagophthalmos). Indoor dryness from heating or air conditioning worsens this, leading to dry eyes upon waking. Repeatedly waking with burning, gritty, or red eyes may indicate this problem.
What to do
An eye exam in Palo Alto can help determine if dry eye syndrome is the cause. Treatment may involve artificial tears, nighttime ointments, or prescription drops to lubricate your eyes throughout the night. We may suggest treatments in the office to help reduce your dependency on these eye drops and ointments as we help your body make more of its own natural tears.
Allergies and Eye Irritation
Waking up to itchy, watery, or puffy eyes shows allergies. Allergens such as dust mites found in your bed linens, pet hair, and even pollen can trigger allergic reactions while you sleep. Your body’s response to allergens while you sleep is through histamines, leading to puffy and red eyes. You may not know you’re responding to allergens at night, but your eyes do.
What to do
See an eye specialist in Palo Alto to inspect allergic conjunctivitis or any other cause of inflammation. In some cases, switching to hypoallergenic sheets, keeping an air purifier on, or taking antihistamines can be a big assistance.
Eye Strain due to Screen Time
Surprised that screen time affects your eyes even when you’re sleeping? Here’s the lowdown: if you tend to spend the majority of your evening gazing at your phone, tablet, or laptop, your eyes can still be healing from digital eye strain come morning. Blue light overexposure can even disrupt your sleep cycle and affect tear production, leading to irritated eyes upon rising.
What to do
Experiment with taking daily screen breaks during the day, and limit screen time one hour before bedtime. A visit to a Palo Alto optometry clinic will enable you to assess your screen use and receive tips on how to protect your eyes, such as blue light filters or digital glasses by prescription.
Incomplete Blinking or Eyelid Disorders
Eye discomfort sometimes arises from a trivial mechanical problem: Your eyelids may not be functioning properly. The abnormal blinking or subtle misalignment of the eyelids keeps your eyes from being sufficiently lubricated.
What to do
If you believe this may be the case, an eye care professional in Palo Alto can examine your eyelids and tear film. Warm compresses, lid hygiene regimens, or in-office procedures may be recommended.
Contact Lens Wearers, Take Note
Wearing lenses too long or not cleaning them can deprive eyes of oxygen and cause irritation. Even if removed at night, buildup or scratches may remain, irritating the eyes by morning.
What to do
If you use contacts every day, it’s imperative that your eyes are checked at least once yearly. Your eye doctor palo alto can help determine if your lenses are indeed the cause of morning eye pain and suggest better options or habits.
“We see a lot of patients with morning eye pain. Most of the time, it turns out to be something like dryness or lid inflammation. The good news is, once we figure it out, there’s almost always something simple that helps,” says Dr. Joy Lam, Optometrist at Refine Optometry.
Contact Lens Wearers, Take Note
Wearing lenses too long or not cleaning them properly can deprive your eyes of oxygen and lead to irritation. Even if you remove them at night, buildup or tiny scratches may still be present — causing discomfort when you wake up.
What to do
If you use contacts every day, it’s essential to have your eyes checked at least once a year. Your eye doctor in Palo Alto can evaluate whether your contact lenses are contributing to your morning eye pain — and recommend safer alternatives or improved hygiene practices.
“We see a lot of patients with morning eye pain. Most of the time, it turns out to be something like dryness or lid inflammation. The good news is, once we figure it out, there’s almost always something simple that helps,”
– Dr. Joy Lam, Optometrist at Refine Optometry
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you’re wondering “should I book an appointment or just wait it out?” — here’s when it’s a definite yes:
- Pain doesn’t go away after a few days
- It’s affecting your vision
- Your eye is red or swollen
- You feel pressure in your eye
- Over-the-counter drops don’t help
Better safe than sorry. We see it all the time at Refine Optometry, and most of the time it’s something we can treat easily.
What You Can Expect During an Eye Exam
When you visit our Palo Alto optometry clinic, we sit down with you and hear about your habits and symptoms. Do you spend hours in front of a computer? Have allergies? Wear contacts? Your answers help us understand your discomfort.
We’ll examine your tear film, eye posture, and overall eye health. And if we find something wrong, we’ll walk you through a personalized treatment plan — using plain language and real solutions, without the complicated medical jargon.
Want to know more about an eye exam near Palo Alto? We’ve got you covered.
Shield Your Eyes, Sleep Soundly
Your mornings should start fresh — not with eye distress. Knowing what’s going on behind the scenes, and getting the right care, can make all the difference.
If vision issues are disrupting your mornings, don’t ignore them. Book an appointment with a trusted optometrist and enjoy clearer, more comfortable starts to your day.
Don’t Let Morning Eye Pain Ruin Another Day
Dr. Joy Lam and our team at Refine Optometry have helped hundreds of patients just like you find relief. Schedule your personalized eye exam today and get back to waking up refreshed and comfortable.
We’re glad to be your neighborhood eye care in Palo Alto. Let’s get your mornings off to a great start, pain-free and crystal clear.
Visit Us in Palo Alto
Refine Optometry is conveniently located in the heart of Palo Alto. Whether you’re dealing with morning eye pain or just due for your annual check-up, we’re here to help.
FAQs
How come I wake up with eye pressure?
It means your sinuses are congested or waterlogged, or sometimes it may be associated with eye pressure problems such as glaucoma.
How to wake up with an eye strain headache?
You may wake up with an eye strain headache when you use screens late at night or when you sleep in a weird position, which strains your eyes.
What is the reason that your eyes feel pain on waking up, and are exposed to light?
When you wake up and see light, your eyes are painful due to the pupils, which were left in darkness, and then have to adapt. In case it occurs frequently, then it might signify light aversion or dry eyes.
What helps in the case of eye pain after waking up?
Artificial tears, warm compresses and the use of a humidifier are recommended to treat the eye pain after waking up. It should then be followed by an examination of the eyes.
What is causing my eyes to be painful after waking up from a nap?
When you wake up after a nap, it hurts to open your eyes, especially when you have been napping face down, in dry air, or with contact lenses. It dries up or irritates the surface of the eye.
Why did my eyes hurt and water when I wake up?
You have woken up with eye pain and tearing which is probably a result of dry eyes or irritation. Your eyes might start discharging excessive tears in an attempt to rectify the dryness.