Do you wake up with itchy, dry, red, burning eyes in the morning? You aren’t alone. Morning eye irritation is a common problem that affects millions of Americans every year. Knowing more about what may be causing your painful eyes is the first step to managing the problem.
Here are three of the most common reasons your eyes may be hurting in the morning, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
MOST COMMON REASONS WHY EYES ARE HURTING IN THE MORNING
1. Allergies
We all try to keep our houses clean, but allergens in the air of your bedroom are a very common cause of dry eyes in the morning. Your mattress may be the culprit. Dust mites can easily get into your carpet and mattress, and your bed can trap these allergens inside your mattress, resulting in an allergic reaction and yucky-feeling eyes.
Don’t worry- you don’t have to go buy a new mattress to address this problem. A simple, easy fix is getting a mattress cover to reduce the irritation, so you can rest well knowing that your eyes are protected.[1]
2. Sensitivity to Your Environment
Did you know that where you live could also be causing your dry eyes? People who live in a windy or dry climate tend to find themselves waking up feeling like their eyelids are glued together. Exposure to the elements every day can dry your eyes while you sleep. Keeping your window shut, or turning off your fan or air conditioning at night, are easy solutions to help prevent dry eyes in the morning.
Live in a city? Air pollution could be another big contributor to that dry, crusty feeling you get in the morning. Dry eye relief, like Relieve eye drops, can help with your allergies to the pollution and keep your eyes feeling clean and healthy.[2]
[2] http://www.avogel.co.uk/health/eyes/dry-eyes/reasons-you-have-dry-eyes-in-the-morning/
3. Diet
You are what you eat! Your itchy dry eyes could be caused by a lack of good nutrients like antioxidants and fatty acids.
The solution? Give your eyes the antioxidant boost they need. Eating fruits rich in Vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries, can drastically improve your dry eyes naturally. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Go for a kale smoothie in the morning or some papaya as a snack in the afternoon.
It’s also important to include Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet, especially because your body doesn’t produce these important nutrients on its own. Salmon and tuna are great ways to get your recommended amount of Omega 3s, but if you aren’t a fan of fish, an eye health supplement like Visual Advantage Tear Support is an easy way to get the nutrition your eyes need.[3]
Want to learn more about the causes and symptoms of your dry eyes? Check out our other dry eye resources, to learn more about treating and preventing your dry eyes.
[3] http://www.avogel.co.uk/health/eyes/dry-eyes/reasons-you-have-dry-eyes-in-the-morning
