Dry eyes at night: causes, treatments, etc.

Causes

Dry eye syndrome can develop for a wide range of reasons - from internal failures of the body to the external environment. But more often, a combination of factors leads to the development of chronic dryness.

Let's look at the main reasons:

Long-term work at the computer - in the process of using a computer or other gadgets, the frequency of blinking is significantly reduced. This leads to dryness of the eye mucosa. If the person is in a room with dry air (for example, in an office with several computers), the situation gets worse;
Age-related and hormonal changes – one of the reasons for the development of dry eye syndrome can be menopause in women;
Quality of tear fluid - tears consist of water, mucin and lipids. If the percentage of any of the tear components decreases, the normal nutrition of the eye is disrupted. For example, if there are not enough lipids in the tear, the liquid will quickly evaporate, resulting in chronic dryness;
The quality and volume of tear fluid produced can be affected by various diseases, including diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Pathology can also develop while taking medications. As a rule, these are antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as COCs;
Lack of sleep combined with other factors can lead to the development of the disorder.

Dry eyes after sleep: causes

Let's look at the most common reasons why your eyes dry out after sleep:

Unfavorable environment. Hot climates and windy weather provoke rapid evaporation of moisture from the surface of the eye. The problem can be aggravated if sand or dust gets into the eyes. Staying indoors for a long time with the air conditioner on can also harm your eyesight.
Working at the computer. If your eyes feel dry after sleep, think about how much time you spend using gadgets (computer, phone, tablet). The hours count and sometimes there are more than 8 of them a day. High load leads to a decrease in the frequency of blinking, as a result the correct distribution of tear fluid is disrupted, and moisture deficiency occurs.
Sjögren's disease (Sjogren's disease). An autoimmune disease that affects the secreting glands, mainly the lacrimal and salivary glands. In addition to severe dry eyes after sleep and during the day, BS can manifest itself in the form of burning sensations, “sand”, and itching in the eyes.
Hormonal disbalance. Due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause, the composition of the tear fluid and its volume may change; it evaporates faster, which causes symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Smoking. Exposure to tobacco smoke on the eyeball, which is also a strong allergen, can also cause dry eyes and cause conjunctivitis.
Taking medications. Vasoconstrictor drops that are used for a runny nose, steroids, and antidepressants can cause dry eyes by disrupting tear production.
Neurological diseases. Due to damage to the trigeminal or facial nerve, the eyelids may not close completely. This leads to dry eyes in the morning.

After sleep, not only “dry eyes” can be observed, but also other unpleasant symptoms, for example, redness of the conjunctiva, the appearance of mucin threads, itching, and a “sandy” feeling.

Diagnostics

The patient may suspect chronic dry eyes, but to confirm the diagnosis and receive a treatment plan, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist

. The specialist will begin the appointment by collecting an anamnesis, after which the patient will have to undergo a set of diagnostic procedures:

External examination, during which the doctor assesses the condition of the eyelids, the degree of their closure, as well as the frequency of blinking;
Biomicroscopy of the eye, which is performed using a slit lamp, allows you to assess the condition of the tear film;
Additional tests and samples, for example, the Schirmer test, which allows you to determine the rate of formation of fluid in a tear.

If necessary, the doctor can also take a smear for cytological examination. If during the appointment the ophthalmologist suspects the presence of systemic diseases that provoke xerophthalmia, the patient may be prescribed additional examination by specialized specialists.

Only after diagnosis can the doctor choose the appropriate treatment.

Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes at Night

Taking care of your health can help relieve dry eyes at night. There are also certain steps you can take to reduce symptoms.

Apply a warm compress to your eyes . After a few minutes, gently rub your eyelids to remove dirt and irritants.
Clean your eyelids . If you have blepharitis, you may benefit from regularly washing your eyelids with baby shampoo or neutral soap. Apply a small amount to your fingertips and wash the base of your lashes while your eyes are closed.
Eat more omega-3 fatty acids . Eating more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax seeds and fatty fish, may help relieve dry eye symptoms. Or talk to your doctor about taking omega-3 supplements.
Use castor oil drops . These drops can help reduce tear evaporation.
Try acupuncture therapy . Some people have found that acupuncture helps reduce dry eye symptoms.

Treatment of dry eye syndrome

For mild xerophthalmia, patients are prescribed artificial tear drops. They supplement the natural tear fluid and provide long-lasting and uniform hydration of the surface of the eye. Drops must be used regularly throughout the day.

If the patient's condition is more severe, the doctor

may prescribe prescription drops to stimulate natural tear production.

Self-medication or the use of traditional methods is unacceptable - this can aggravate the patient’s condition.

Prevention Tips

There are a few simple things you can do to help prevent dry eyes at night.

Use a humidifier . Adding moisture to the air in your bedroom can help with nighttime dry eyes, especially if you have very dry air.
Reduce exposure to screens . If you spend a lot of time on the computer, take frequent breaks and remember to blink frequently. Placing the screen slightly below your line of sight may also help.
Swap your contact lenses for glasses . If you wear contact lenses, try switching to glasses.
Wash your bedding regularly . This removes allergens such as dust and pet hair that can irritate your eyes.
Stay hydrated . This helps your body have enough water to function properly and promotes the formation of the tear film.

Dry eye syndrome and contact lenses

In rare cases, contact correction products may contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. For example, if the patient uses the wrong solution or purchases low-quality lenses. In this case, you need to consult with a specialist and choose a more suitable product, and also buy lenses only from specialized opticians.

It should also be noted that when xerophthalmia occurs, the use of contact lenses becomes difficult. In the early stages, the patient may experience minor discomfort, which can be minimized with the use of moisturizing drops. However, if the disorder has reached a high degree, the patient cannot even wear contact correction devices.

What causes dry eyes at night?

The eye consists of three layers of the tear film: lipid, aqueous and mucin.
Dry eyes occur when decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation upsets the balance of these layers, causing inflammation and irritation. Here are common causes of tear production problems:

aging (most people over 65 have dry eyes)
hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, or when using birth control
certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems
inflammation of the eyelids (a condition known as blepharitis)
certain medications
vitamin A deficiency
dry air, wind or smoke

If you notice that your eyes become drier at night, there may be other factors at play. These may include:

Nocturnal lagophthalmos . People with this condition do not close their eyelids completely at night. Sometimes the eyelids feel like they are closing, but they are not retaining moisture.
Screen time . Spending a lot of time in front of a computer or smartphone can reduce your blink rate. This can cause eye strain and dry eyes, which can get worse in the evening after a long day at work.
Long-term use of contact lenses . Wearing lenses too long during the day can make your eyes feel dryer at night.

Prevention of symptoms

According to ophthalmologists, the main cause of decreased visual function is the computer. Vision, the skeletal system, and the overall activity of the body can deteriorate due to prolonged work at a PC. However, it is the organs of vision that suffer the most. To prevent dry eye syndrome, experts recommend:

equip your workplace with a special air humidifier, which will help avoid excessive dryness in the room;
do not forget to do visual exercises every hour, if possible, try to go out into the fresh air;
install the monitor in such a way as to eliminate glare from reflections, and close the windows with thick curtains or blinds;
supplement the diet with fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as natural juices that provide the body with vitamins;
buy glasses for working on a computer that protect your eyes from computer radiation;
morning and evening, apply warm compresses to the eyes to help improve blood circulation;
Avoid smoky rooms, and when drying your hair, do not get the jet of warm air coming from the hair dryer into your eyes.

Following these tips will help you avoid visual pathology and maintain comfort in your work environment.

Rating of eye drops for dry eye syndrome and eye fatigue for 2021

Cationorm

Cationorm is a unique cationic emulsion to eliminate severe symptoms of dry eye, which can bother you in the morning.

Cationorm does not contain preservatives and is suitable for contact lens wearers. The use of the emulsion helps restore all layers of the tear film and prevents the further development of dry eye syndrome.

In addition, the drug is widely used by people with other eye diseases (glaucoma, blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis) and people using hormone replacement therapy (menopausal hormones, oral contraceptives).

Cationorm drops

Advantages:

Restores the tear film;
Prevents dry eye syndrome;
Does not affect contact lenses;
Easy to use bottle.

Flaws:

Not detected.

Okutiarz

Ocutiarz - eye drops with ultra-high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to moisturize and eliminate dry eyes that occur periodically after prolonged visual stress.

The drops do not contain preservatives and can also be used on contact lenses. Okutiarz is stored for 6 months after opening the bottle. One of the most prescribed drugs after eye surgery.

Okutiarz drops

Advantages:

High quality composition;
Quickly relieves the feeling of dryness and fatigue of the eyes;
No side effects.

Flaws:

Not detected.

View-dresser

If your eyes need additional hydration, then Vid-chest helps relieve the feeling of dryness. The solution forms a high-quality tear film, which does not affect visual acuity and is not washed off when blinking. Often the medication is prescribed for comfortable wearing of lenses, under intense visual stress, under aggressive climatic conditions. The basic dosage is 1 drop 4-5 times a day, but if necessary, you can instill more often. It is best when the frequency of instillation is determined by an ophthalmologist on an individual basis. There are contraindications, these include hypersensitivity to any component of the Vid-chest. The product is a low-viscosity product; the resulting uniform film protects against the slightest manifestation of irritation. The successful design of the bottle allows you to accurately dose the drops and increase the shelf life up to three months.

You can buy from 280 to 360 rubles, depending on the pharmacy’s markup.

View-dresser

Advantages:

Soft action;
Easy to carry;
Quickly relieves the syndrome;
Eliminate dryness and discomfort when wearing contact lenses;
Convenient bottle.

Flaws:

There are complaints about the short-lived effect;
May cause allergic reactions.

Vizomethine

If you are looking for a drug from the “artificial tear” group, we recommend paying attention to Visomethine. The functionality of the drug creates a stimulating effect to increase the stability of the tear film. Indications for use include dry eye syndrome and the initial stage of age-related cataracts. The daily dose for “dry eye” is 1-2 drops three times a day. Please note that these drops are intended for a cumulative effect that occurs after the first two weeks, the persistence of the therapeutic effect occurs when using Visomethine for 6 weeks. It is not recommended to use the drug before the age of 18, as there is insufficient clinical research data on this matter. Side effects such as burning after instillation and the appearance of allergic reactions are also possible. Thanks to a well-made bottle, the drops are instilled easily and a temporary state of “enlightenment” occurs fairly quickly, tired eyes experience relief. Suitable for older people. Some buyers manage to use them for their pets, but the effectiveness of the medication is in question.

The cost varies from 592 to 771 rubles.

Vizomethine

Advantages:

Effective for dry eye syndrome;
Eliminate discomfort in the eyes;
There is a moisturizing effect;
Convenient to use;
There is a cumulative effect;
Belongs to the “artificial tear” category.

Flaws:

Expensive;
Allergic reactions are possible.

Hilo chest of drawers

Hilo-chest, designed for additional hydration of the front surface of the eye, is in great consumer demand. The drug also helps with burning sensation in the eyes, moisturizes the eye after surgery and eliminates discomfort caused by wearing lenses. The dosage regimen is 1 drop three times a day, but there is an exception that if you need to instill more often, then you can. The drug is hypoallergenic and does not contain artificial preservatives; the active ingredient is sodium hyaluronate. They can even be used during pregnancy. Among the side effects, only one is hypersensitivity to any of the components. If, in addition to Hilo-Komod, other drops are prescribed, then you must adhere to a temporary interval before use. The interval should be at least half an hour. Buyers note that there is a cumulative effect.

Cost from 457 - 645 rubles.

Hilo chest of drawers

Advantages:

There is a cumulative effect;
High-quality hydration;
Eliminates dryness and burning;
The composition is similar to natural tears;
Convenient dispenser;
Can be bought at any pharmacy.

Flaws:

Not all buyers are satisfied with the price.

Hyphenation

A good remedy, according to buyers, is Hyphen. Looking for budget-friendly eye hydration medications? Take it. The price is inexpensive and the functionality is excellent. Pharmacological actions include restoration and stabilization of the tear film. The list of indications for use is long and includes increased eye sensitivity. The only contraindications are hypersensitivity to the components and the stage of the burn. For those who often sit at the computer and feel as if sand has been poured into their eyes, Hyphenlez will be a real savior. The drops have a mild action and a quick effect; after instillation, you feel that the problem of dry eyes disappears for a while.

You can buy within 50 rubles.

Hyphenation

Advantages:

Budget and Russian production;
Instant effect;
Convenient to use;
Soft action;
Relieve pain in the eyes;
Easy to carry;
Does not leak from the eyes.

Flaws:

Doesn't help everyone;
There may be intolerance.

Ophtolic

The bestseller of many pharmacies is the drug Oftolik. It is excellent for people who suffer from a lack of tear fluid, dry eyes and for prevention after surgery. The active ingredients are polyvinyl alcohol and povidone. Don’t be afraid of the word alcohol, as its main function is to protect the mucous membrane of the eyes by retaining tears. The components of Oftolic harmoniously create a protective environment for vision. The resulting film has a high density, envelops the eyeball well and does not cause irritation. Doctors prescribe medication for dry eye syndrome, pathologies of the visual organs, decreased secretion of tear fluid, as a preventive measure against frequent sitting at the monitor, and in other cases.

You can buy from 340 rubles and above.

Ophtolic

Advantages:

Quickly relieves the syndrome;
Helps with inflammatory processes;
Suitable for postoperative use;
Eliminates burning sensation and irritation;
Adequate cost.

Flaws:

A habituation effect has been noted;

It doesn't help for long.

Vidisik

If you need an eye gel, then Vidisik, which is an artificial tear preparation, has proven itself positively. It is prescribed to people with problems of dry eyes and insufficient tear production. Pregnant and lactating women are not recommended to use the product, only in cases where the benefit outweighs the risk. There may also be individual intolerance. After instillation, the medication creates a special protective film on the cornea, providing increased hydration. But we must take into account that the gel should remain on the surface of the eye for no more than one and a half hours. The dosage regimen is three to five times a day, if used in the evening, then half an hour before bedtime. It is advisable to take Vidisik in courses and not on an ongoing basis. The drug is effective, but has the ability to reduce the production of your own tears.

Costs from 287 rubles.

Vidisik

Advantages:

Gives hydration to the conjunctiva and cornea;
Quick results;
Does not accumulate in body tissues;
Does not cause discomfort;
Artificial tear;
Convenient to use.

Flaws:

May reduce the production of your own tears;
It is not advisable to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Similasan

Fans of the iherb site can try the local bestseller, Similasan drops. This is a homeopathic remedy containing completely natural ingredients. The Similasan formula is Swiss and does not cause any burning sensation. The functionality is aimed at eliminating fatigue and eye strain, which is ideal for anyone who spends a lot of time at the computer. In addition, Similasan will be useful for redness and irritation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, hypersensitivity to light and spasm of the eyelid muscles. Can also be used for children from two years of age. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult a doctor.

You can buy it on iherb for 560 rubles.

Similasan

Advantages:

Excellent therapy for frequent use of the computer;
Eliminate fatigue;
Not addictive;
Easy to carry;
Natural ingredients;
Soft action.

Flaws:

You have to wait until it arrives.

Stillavit

After a hard day at work, Stillavit, created to protect, moisturize and restore the eyes, will be a lifesaver. Stillavit eye drops are indicated for dryness that occurs due to climatic, medical-ecological and medical-social factors. The solution effectively restores the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva, moisturizes, brings relief and eliminates fatigue during intense visual stress. The basic dosage is 1-2 drops twice or thrice a day. If necessary, the number of instillations can be increased. Stillavit can be used when wearing various contact lenses. If you use Stillavit with other ophthalmic medications, you should wait at least half an hour between doses. Eye ointments are recommended for use after instillation.

The cost is about 500 rubles.

Stillavit

Advantages:

Visible and tangible results from use;
Does not irritate the eyes;
High quality moisturizing;
Can be instilled without removing lenses;
Helps well with fatigue.

Flaws:

Some buyers call it weak.

Visine

A hit of all sales and a regular participant in the ratings of eye drops for dry eye syndrome and eye fatigue is, undoubtedly, Vizin. But it is most often prescribed when there is not only dryness, but also redness with swelling. The medication is based on tetrizoline and its main functionality is to eliminate irritation of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye. Visine has a vasoconstrictor effect, the basic dosage for dry eyes is one drop every 4 hours. The drug is divided into three types: classic, pure tear and allergy. Contraindications include pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, there are other categories of citizens for whom the medication is contraindicated, so before purchasing, carefully read the instructions on the Internet. It is commendable that many patients noted that the use of drops returns their eyes to a normal, fresh appearance, that is, there will be no trace of redness. Well, the fair sex has invented a new way to use these drops. They add them to dried mascara and thereby renew their decorative cosmetics.

Price: from 350 rubles and above.

Visine

Advantages:

Three types of Visine;
Bestseller;
Quickly relieve the unpleasant effects of overworked visual organs;
Coping with dryness;
Positive customer feedback.

Flaws:

Many contraindications;
It may be addictive.

Summarize

Dry eyes at night have many causes. Your doctor can help find the cause of your symptoms. Taking time away from screens, wearing glasses instead of contact lenses, and using artificial tears can help reduce dry eye symptoms.

If you still have dry eyes after making lifestyle changes, consult your doctor. Medication may be required for long-term relief.

Sources

Akpek EK, et al. (2019). Dry eye syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern. DOI: aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(18)32650-2/fulltext
Dry eye. (n.d.). aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye
Hood CT. (n.d.). Dry eye syndrome. umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/dry-eye-syndrome
Jin KW, et al. (2017). Correlation of vitamin D levels with tear film stability and secretion in patients with dry eye syndrome. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27874256/
Nau A. (2020). Better manage nocturnal lagophthalmos for dry eye patients. optometrytimes.com/view/better-manage-nocturnal-lagophthalmos-dry-eye-patients
Yildirim P, et al. (2016). Dry eye in vitamin D deficiency: More than an incidental association. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26269110/

What should a person facing a problem do?

If dry eye syndrome occurs, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe the use of special drops that will relieve unpleasant symptoms. To improve the condition, the patient should adjust his diet.

Healthy diet

The disease often occurs due to improper and unbalanced nutrition. It is necessary to include foods that contain large amounts of vitamins in your diet. The consumption of smoked meats, sausages, pickles and creamy meats should be minimized. It is best to choose light vegetable salads as side dishes.

REFERENCE. If you have diseases of the visual system, it is recommended to eat light and natural foods.

It is best if it does not lend itself to heat treatment. Plant foods should make up about 60% of the diet.

The state of the visual system depends on the functioning of the intestines. If the body is polluted, it will poorly digest and assimilate food. As a result, vitamins will not be absorbed.

Foods that are good for eye health:

spinach;
carrot;
corn;
blueberry;
apricot;
rose hip;
beet;
citrus;
cod;
sprouted grains of wheat.

Once a year it is recommended to take a course of fish oil. There are a number of products that have a negative effect on human vision. If you have dry eye syndrome, it is recommended to carefully monitor your intake or avoid the following foods:

Salt. In excess quantities, it retains moisture in the body, and this leads to increased intraocular pressure.
Alcohol . Initially, alcoholic drinks cause relaxation and dilation of blood vessels. However, then the second stage begins, which is accompanied by spasms. As a result, the thin vessels of the eyes are injured.
Meat and eggs. They should not be completely removed from the diet, as they contain healthy protein. Excessive consumption of such foods leads to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. This is fraught with poor blood supply to the thin eye vessels.

How does the syndrome manifest?

Symptoms of the disease depend on the severity of the pathological process. The patient complains of dry eyes. Other symptoms appear:

decreased visual acuity;
burning;
discomfort in the eyes;
fear of bright light;
redness of the conjunctiva.

Prolonged dryness of the anterior part of the eyeball leads to the fact that the cornea begins to be injured. Against the background of this process, the patient experiences erosions of the cornea and filamentous keratitis. In some cases, the conjunctiva creeps onto the lower edge of the eyelid.

With this pathological process, the production of viscous mucus may be observed, which will accumulate inside or around the eye.

REFERENCE. There is a sensation of a foreign object in the eye.

Patients have problems concentrating their vision at dusk. Unpleasant sensations occur when wearing contact lenses.

Useful video

Dry eye syndrome. Treatment with folk remedies: