Waking up with sticky and blurry eyes can be a disconcerting and uncomfortable experience. You rub your eyes, trying to clear the blurriness and wonder why they feel so sticky. Don't worry; you're not alone in experiencing this phenomenon. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind those sticky and blurry morning eyes and discuss some helpful tips to alleviate the issue.

Sleep and Tear Film

One of the primary reasons your eyes may feel sticky and blurry in the morning is related to the quality of your sleep. When you sleep, your eyes are closed for an extended period, causing a reduced blink rate. Blinking is essential because it helps spread a thin layer of tears, known as the tear film, across the surface of your eyes. This tear film serves several crucial functions, including keeping your eyes moist, protecting them from irritants, and maintaining clear vision.

During sleep, your blink rate decreases, and your eyes can become dry, leading to a compromised tear film. When you wake up, your eyes may feel sticky and uncomfortable because of this dryness, and your vision might be temporarily blurred.

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos

One of the causes of stick eyes is nocturnal lagophthalmos. This is a condition where your eyelids do not fully close during sleep. This condition can cause your eyes to become exposed to the air, leading to increased evaporation of the tear film and dryness. Dry eyes can result in morning stickiness and blurred vision.

Several factors and habits can exacerbate the symptoms of nocturnal lagophthalmos, making it more uncomfortable—things such as a dry environment, sleep position, medications, and stress and fatigue.

Allergies

Allergic reactions to allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander can cause eye irritation and excessive tearing. Your body's natural response to allergens is to produce more tears to wash away the irritants. However, this excess tearing can lead to sticky eyes when you wake up in the morning. Additionally, allergies can cause redness, itching, and swelling, further contributing to blurry vision.

Infections

Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) or styes, can also result in sticky and blurry eyes. These infections can cause discharge or mucus to accumulate on the surface of the eye, making your eyelids feel sticky and your vision cloudy. If your sticky eyes seemed to come on suddenly, then an eye infection might be to blame, and you should see one of our optometrists as soon as possible.

Dehydration

Dehydration can affect your entire body, including your eyes. When you're not properly hydrated, your tear film may not have enough moisture to keep your eyes comfortable and clear. This can lead to sticky and blurry eyes, especially in the morning when you haven't had fluids for several hours.

One of the common causes of temporary dry eye is a night of drinking (even just 1 or 2 drinks). Alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration as it has diuretic properties, causing increased urination and fluid loss, which can reduce the body's overall hydration levels. When combined with staying up late, this double-edged sword can further exacerbate dry eye symptoms, as sleep deprivation can disrupt the natural lubrication process of the eyes, leading to decreased tear production and increased eye dryness.

The 2 Primary Causes of Stick Eyes, However, are Blepharitis and Meibomitis

In addition to the previously mentioned factors, two eye conditions that are closely related and often contribute to the problem of sticky and blurry eyes in the morning are blepharitis and meibomitis.

What is Blepharitis:

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, particularly along the edges where the eyelashes grow. It can be caused by bacteria, an overproduction of oil, or even allergies. When you have blepharitis, the oil glands at the base of your eyelashes may become clogged, leading to irritation, redness, and a feeling of stickiness on your eyelids. Over time, this condition can compromise the quality of your tear film and cause dryness.

What is Meibomitis (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction):

Meibomitis, also known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), involves the inflammation or blockage of the meibomian glands located in the eyelids. These glands produce the oily component of the tear film, which helps prevent the evaporation of tears and keeps your eyes moist. When meibomian glands become obstructed or inflamed, they can't release enough oil, resulting in poor-quality tears and dry eyes.

Both blepharitis and meibomitis can lead to sticky and blurry eyes in the morning, as the compromised oil production affects the stability of the tear film. These conditions can also contribute to other discomforting symptoms like burning, itching, and a sensation of grittiness in the eyes.

Managing Blepharitis and Meibomitis:

To address these conditions and alleviate their impact on your morning eye discomfort, consider the following steps:

Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses to your closed eyelids for several minutes can help soften the oils in the meibomian glands and open up any blockages. This can improve the quality of your tear film and reduce morning stickiness. Using a product such as Bruder Mask can further increase the effectiveness of these treatments.
Eyelid Hygiene: Gently clean your eyelids and lashes with a prescribed eyelid scrub like I Lid's n Lashes or Blephaclean. This can help remove debris and bacteria that contribute to inflammation.
Artificial Tears & Ointments: Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops and ointments as your optometrist recommends to maintain eye moisture. These may need to be used before bed or when you first get up in the morning.
Prescription Medications: In some cases, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotics, allergy medications, or anti-inflammatory medications to manage allergies, blepharitis or meibomitis.

Recapping Sticky Eyes

Sticky and blurry eyes in the morning can be attributed to a variety of factors, including sleep-related dryness, allergies, infections, and dehydration. Understanding the underlying cause of your symptoms is the first step toward finding effective solutions. By implementing the tips mentioned above and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can improve the comfort of your eyes and enjoy clear vision when you wake up each morning. You can also contact us to schedule an eye exam with one of our optometrists in Edmonton's Kingsway Mall or our St. Abert Inglewood Town Centre clinic, who can diagnose the underlying cause and give you an effective long-term treatment strategy.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Stonewire Optometry eye care clinic in Kingsway Mall is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Stonewire Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.

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