Why Are My Eyes So Dry When I Wake Up?

Waking Up With Dry Eyes? You’re Not Alone.

If you open your eyes in the morning and feel like you've just blinked over sandpaper, you're not imagining it—morning dry eye is a real and common issue. At Envision Optometry, we see many patients asking: “Why do my eyes feel dry when I wake up?”

Let’s break down the causes and what you can do to get relief.

Common Causes of Morning Dry Eye

1. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos (Sleeping with Your Eyes Partially Open) or poor lid seal

Some people sleep with their eyes slightly open without realizing it. This can cause the tear film to evaporate overnight, leaving your eyes feeling dry, gritty, or even painful in the morning.

2. Low Tear Production During Sleep

Your eyes naturally produce fewer tears while you sleep. If you already have dry eye disease, this drop in tear production can make symptoms worse when you wake up.

3. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

MGD affects the oil layer of your tears, which helps prevent evaporation. If your oil glands aren’t working well, your tears may evaporate too quickly—especially overnight.

4. CPAP Machines

If you use a CPAP for sleep apnea, air leaks can blow into your eyes and dry them out. This is a very common and often overlooked cause of morning dryness.

What You Can Do About It

At Envision Optometry, we offer several dry eye treatments that target the root cause—not just the symptoms. Here are a few tips and options:

• Use a Moisture Chamber or Sleep Mask: Seals in moisture while you sleep, especially helpful for those with lagophthalmos or CPAP users.

• Apply an Overnight Lubricating Gel or Ointment: These stay in your eyes longer than standard drops and protect your eyes throughout the night.

• Treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: In-office treatments like IPL or TearCare can unclog oil glands and improve long-term tear quality.

• Check for Eyelid Issues: We can evaluate your eyelid closure and eyelid position to rule out anatomical causes.

When to See a Doctor

If your eyes are frequently dry in the morning—even after trying lubricating drops—it may be time for a dry eye evaluation. Chronic morning dryness is often a sign of an underlying issue that won’t go away on its own.

Ready for Relief?

Book a dry eye consultation and wake up to healthier, more comfortable eyes. Relief starts here.