Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Wake Up: Causes and Remedies

Few things feel more frustrating than starting your day with sore, irritated eyes. You open your eyes in the morning, expecting calm and clarity, but instead, there’s that familiar sting, dryness, or pressure that instantly makes you wonder, “Why do my eyes hurt when I wake up?”

If this sounds familiar, you’re far from alone. Thousands of people search for answers daily about why their eyes or even their eyeballs hurt when they wake up, hoping for relief from symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain.

Let’s break down what may be happening and how you can soothe your eyes naturally and prevent that early morning sting for good.

Common Causes of Morning Eye Pain

When people say “my eyes hurt” in the morning, it’s often a sign of irritation that developed overnight. The reasons can vary widely from dryness and inflammation to allergies and eyelid issues.
Here are some of the most common culprits behind morning eye pain.

1. Dry Eye Syndrome

This is one of the most frequent answers to “Why do my eyes hurt when I wake up?”

At night, your tear production naturally slows down. If you sleep in a room with dry air, or you don’t blink fully while dozing, your eyes can become dehydrated. When you open them in the morning, that sudden exposure to air can cause burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation, a hallmark symptom of dry eye syndrome.

Why does it happen? Reduced tear production during sleep

• Air conditioning or heaters dry the environment

• Prolonged screen use before bed

• Certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.)

How to find relief:

• Use lubricating eye drops or gel-based ointments before bed

• Add a humidifier to your bedroom

• Stay hydrated throughout the day

• Avoid staring at screens right before sleep

A product like the Dr Sabrina Eye Regenerate LED Mask can also support eye hydration and rejuvenation overnight. The gentle LED light therapy stimulates circulation and tissue repair, perfect for those waking up with tired, sore eyes.

2. Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

If your eyelids feel sore when you wake up, blepharitis may be the reason. This condition occurs when the tiny oil glands near the base of your lashes become clogged or irritated, leading to redness, swelling, and crusty eyelids.

Typical symptoms:

• Burning or itching along the lash line

• Sensitivity to light

• Sticky or greasy eyelids upon waking

• Crust formation or flaking around lashes

Causes may include:

• Bacterial buildup on the eyelids

• Poor eyelid hygiene

• Rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis

• Allergic reactions

Manage it by:

• Gently cleaning your eyelids with a warm washcloth or mild lid scrub

• Avoiding heavy eye makeup at night

• Practising consistent eyelid hygiene before bed

If you often find your eyelids sore when you wake up, this simple step can dramatically improve morning comfort.

3. Allergies

Seasonal or indoor allergies can wreak havoc on your eyes, especially at night. Dust, pollen, pet dander, or even bedding materials can trigger allergic irritation, leaving your eyes itchy and swollen by morning.

Typical signs:

• Puffy, watery eyes

• Itching or burning sensation

• Morning crusting or stickiness

  

How to minimise allergic eye pain:

• Change your bedding frequently

• Use hypoallergenic pillowcases

• Keep pets out of the bedroom

• Consider an air purifier

If your eyes hurt due to allergies, antihistamine eye drops can help, but managing the environment is key to preventing recurring discomfort.

4. Sinus Issues

Sinus congestion or infections often cause discomfort behind or around the eyes. You might wake up feeling a dull ache or pressure, especially if you’ve been congested overnight.

Why does this cause eye pain? The sinuses are located close to the eye sockets. When they’re inflamed or blocked, it can increase pressure that radiates toward your eyes.

What can help:

• Steam inhalation before bed.

• Warm compresses around the eyes and nose.

• Staying hydrated.

• Treating the root sinus infection if present.

If you consistently feel pressure when you open your eyes, or if touching the area makes it worse, consult your eye doctor or ENT to rule out sinus-related causes.

5. Contact Lens Use

Sleeping with contact lenses, even accidentally, is a major reason people wake up thinking, “Why do my eyeballs hurt when I wake up?”

Contacts restrict oxygen flow to the cornea, and leaving them in overnight can cause dryness, irritation, or even corneal abrasions.

Key tips:

• Always remove lenses before sleeping.

• Clean and replace them regularly.

• Use daily disposables if possible.

• Never reuse disinfecting solution,

If your eye hurts when you touch it, especially after wearing contacts, contact your eye care provider promptly. This could indicate an infection or corneal damage.

6. Infections (Conjunctivitis and Styes)

Eye infections are another common cause of waking up with discomfort. If your eyes are red, sticky, or crusted shut in the morning, it could be conjunctivitis (pink eye) or a stye.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye):

• Caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergens.

• Leads to redness, itching, discharge, and tearing.

• Often spreads easily.

Stye:

• A tender bump along the eyelid margin.

• Caused by a blocked oil gland or bacterial infection.

• Painful, especially when blinking or touching.

In both cases, you may notice that your eyes hurt when you wake up because overnight secretions build up and irritate the eye surface.

Treatment usually involves:

• Warm compresses

• Gentle lid cleaning

• Antibiotic eye drops for bacterial cases

Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes; this can worsen inflammation or spread infection.

7. Nocturnal Lagophthalmos (Incomplete Eyelid Closure)

A lesser-known reason for morning eye pain is nocturnal lagophthalmos, a condition where your eyelids don’t close fully during sleep. Even a slight gap can expose your cornea to air, leading to dryness and irritation overnight.

Common signs:

• Waking with gritty, dry eyes

• Soreness that improves after blinking

• Redness or tearing in the morning

Causes can include:

• Weakness in eyelid muscles

• Previous eyelid surgeries

• Neurological conditions

You can identify this by asking someone to observe your eyes while you sleep or by noticing extreme dryness, even in humid conditions.

Treatment options:

• Use nighttime lubricating ointments

• Apply moisture goggles before bed

• Try gentle eyelid taping under guidance from your optometrist

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, morning eye pain isn’t just about dryness or minor irritation. Persistent pain, sudden changes in vision, or sensitivity to light could signal deeper eye issues that should never be ignored.

Red flag symptoms to watch for:

• Sharp or persistent pain

• Redness that doesn’t improve

• Vision blurriness or double vision

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

• Pain when moving your eyes

• Noticeable swelling

If you experience any of these signs, an eye care professional can perform a detailed examination to rule out conditions like corneal ulcers, uveitis, or glaucoma. Even if discomfort seems mild, chronic irritation can lead to long-term surface damage if untreated.

Why consulting an eye doctor matters:
An optometrist or ophthalmologist can:

• Evaluate your tear quality and eyelid function

• Identify infections or inflammatory causes

• Recommend prescribed drops or medications tailored to your eyes

Early diagnosis ensures that your eyes remain healthy and pain-free in the long run.

Home Remedies and Prevention Tips

Small lifestyle adjustments and proper eye care can go a long way in relieving and preventing morning eye pain.

1. Lubricating Eye Drops and Ointments

Choose preservative-free artificial tears for regular use, and go for a thicker gel or ointment before bed to lock in moisture overnight.

2. Clean Sleep Environment and Humidifiers

Keep your room’s air moist, especially if you use air conditioning, to prevent dryness. Clean pillowcases frequently to remove allergens and irritants.

3. Eyelid Hygiene Routines

Gently clean your lids every evening using a warm compress or a mild eye-safe cleanser. This helps prevent blepharitis and clogged oil glands that can cause soreness.

4. Managing Allergies Effectively

If allergies are behind your eye pain, invest in air filters, keep windows closed during high pollen counts, and use prescribed antihistamine drops.

5. Eye Exercises and Relaxation

Warm eye compresses, followed by gentle eye rolls, can help relax strained muscles and improve lubrication. Avoid overusing screens at night to reduce digital eye strain.

Conclusion

Waking up with eye pain is surprisingly common, but it’s not something you have to live with. Whether your eyes hurt due to dryness, allergies, inflammation, or even eyelid issues, simple preventive steps can make mornings more comfortable.

Proper hydration, a clean sleep environment, and consistent eyelid care routines are your best allies. If the discomfort persists or you notice pain when touching your eye, redness, or changes in vision, always seek professional advice.

Your eyes deserve care and comfort, and addressing the issue now can prevent minor irritation from turning into something more serious.

For extra support, consider adding light therapy with the Dr Sabrina Eye Regenerate LED Mask to your nightly routine. It's a soothing way to keep your eyes feeling bright, refreshed, and pain-free every morning.

FAQs

1. Why do my eyes hurt when I wake up in the morning?

Morning eye pain often occurs due to dryness, eyelid inflammation, allergies, or sleeping with your eyes partially open. It can also happen if your eyelids don’t close fully during sleep, leaving your cornea exposed and irritated.

2. Why do my eyeballs hurt when I wake up?

Pain in the eyeballs themselves may result from dryness of the cornea, overuse of contact lenses, or sinus pressure. If the pain persists or feels severe, consult an eye specialist to eliminate more serious conditions like infections or corneal inflammation.

3. Why are my eyelids sore when I wake up?

Sore eyelids in the morning are commonly linked to blepharitis, a buildup of oil and bacteria along the lash line. Regular eyelid cleaning before bed and using warm compresses can greatly reduce this soreness.

4. Why does my eye hurt when I touch it after waking up?

If touching your eye feels painful, it may indicate irritation from dryness, a minor scratch (corneal abrasion), or a developing infection. Avoid rubbing your eyes, and use lubricating drops. Seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen.

5. How can I stop my eyes from hurting in the morning?

Try using a humidifier at night, apply lubricating eye ointment before bed, and maintain eyelid hygiene. Protecting your eyes from allergens and using light therapy tools like the Dr Sabrina Eye Regenerate LED Mask can also help minimise morning discomfort.