Understanding Nighttime Eye Dryness

If you feel like you wake up each morning with dry, irritated eyes, you are not alone. In fact, nighttime eye dryness can be quite common. The good news is there is an easy way to relieve nighttime eye dryness, and you may also be able to prevent it. 

Why Do You Get Dry Eyes at Night?

Every time you blink, a thin layer of tears helps lubricate your eyes. When your eyes are closed during sleep, you don’t blink, so you’re lacking this essential tear replenishment. However, there are other factors that can contribute to having dry eyes at night. These include:

• Wearing contact lenses overnight – Wearing contact lenses all day and night can increase your risk of developing dry eyes.
• Low humidity – During winter or in dry climates, low humidity inside and outside can make eyes drier.
• Age – As you age, your eyes have a harder time producing tears, which can leave you more prone to dry eyes, irritation and redness.
• Hormonal changes – Changes in hormones that come with aging and pregnancy, as well as taking birth control pills or other hormone pills, can affect tear production.
• Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids each day can contribute to overnight dehydration that affects tear production.
• Nutritional deficiencies – Certain nutrients support healthy tear production, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, D and E. Not getting enough of these nutrients could contribute to dry eyes.
• Certain medical conditions – Diabetes, thyroid conditions, and autoimmune disorders can increase the risk of dry eyes.
• Medications –Many medications can affect tear production, including over-the-counter allergy meds. Always ask your doctor about side effects of the medications you take. 

By understanding the causes of nighttime eye dryness, you can then take steps to prevent your eyes from becoming dry and irritated overnight. 

Do You Need Nighttime Eye Drops for Dry Eyes?

Despite your best efforts, if you wake up on most days with eyes that feel dry, irritated or gritty, or your eyes are burning or sensitive to light, you might find relief from nighttime eye drops. 

The best overnight eye drops are formulated to retain moisture on your eyes since you won’t have the benefit of blinking while asleep. You want them to be gentle, soothing and nourishing for your eyes. 

TheraTears® Liquid Gel Nighttime Dry Eye Therapy has 4x the active ingredient than TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy. The unique and hypotonic and electrolyte balanced formula replicates healthy tears while you sleep so you wake up with eyes that feel refreshed and look their best! 

If you’re struggling to find relief, talk to your doctor as your partner in care to address your specific health needs, and if your eye symptoms are severe, especially if you’re experiencing pain or changes in vision, call your doctor right away.