Are you dealing with dry eyes? It might be hard to swallow, but nothing in life is free. Eyes, too, have their problems if you start ignoring their moods.
Too much exposure to the sun, wind, dust, and smoke will always result in dry eyes. The tears your eyes produce also weaken when you’re stressed or cry too hard.
You have to look out for some ailments when dealing with dry eyes, especially those with no apparent cause. The lack of tears in the eyes at night is one of those.
So what causes dry eyes at night? What’s the underlying cause of the problem? Let’s take a look at some of the possible culprits here:
Reduced Blink Rate
During sleep, the natural reflex of blinking slows down significantly. Blinking is important for spreading tears across the eyes’ surface, providing lubrication and nourishment. When the blink rate decreases, tears are not distributed as effectively, resulting in dryness upon waking up.
If you frequently experience dry eye symptoms at night, you should consult experts like this eye doctor in logan ut for a proper evaluation. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle modifications to alleviate your symptoms and improve the overall health of your eyes.
Evaporation
The environment in your bedroom can play a significant role in causing dry eyes at night. If the air in your room is dry, either due to air conditioning or heating systems, it can cause the tears on the surface of your eyes to evaporate more quickly.
This is particularly true if the humidity levels are low. As a result, the eyes may become dry and uncomfortable during the night and upon waking up.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
The meibomian glands are located in the eyelids and are responsible for producing an oily substance called meibum. This oil helps to lubricate the eyes and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. If the meibomian glands become blocked or the quality of the oil is compromised, it can lead to an inadequate tear film and increased evaporation, resulting in dry eye disease.
Medications
Some medications can have dry eyes as a side effect. Antihistamines, commonly used to treat allergies, can reduce tear production. Decongestants, often found in nasal sprays or cold medications, can cause dryness by constricting blood vessels, including those that supply the eyes.
Certain antidepressants can also affect tear production and quality. If you are taking any medications and experiencing dry eyes at night, consult your doctor to determine if they could contribute to the problem.
Age
As we age, the production of tears tends to decrease, and the quality of tears may change. The lacrimal glands, responsible for tear production, may become less efficient, leading to decreased tear production.
Additionally, the composition of tears may change, resulting in an inadequate tear film that evaporates more quickly. These age-related changes can make individuals more prone to experiencing dry eyes, particularly at night.
Unmasking What Causes Dry Eyes at Night
What causes dry eyes at night? Various factors, such as inadequate tear production, prolonged exposure to screens, prolonged use of contact lenses, and allergies can cause dry eyes at night.
If you suffer from dry eyes at night, speak to your doctor and optometrist to seek treatment and prevent future discomfort and damage to the eyes. Don’t suffer in silence; get help today.
