Understanding Blurry Vision When You Wake Up

What Causes Blurry Vision in the Morning?

Waking up with blurry vision can feel unsettling, but in most cases, it’s temporary and harmless. Blurry vision upon waking usually clears up after a few blinks or gentle eye rubs. Still, you may wonder why this happens. There are several common reasons why you might experience blurry vision when you wake up, ranging from dry eyes to medical conditions like Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy.

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Take a look below to learn more about blurry vision, and why it may occur when you wake up in the morning.

Common Causes of Blurry Vision in the Morning

1. Dry Eyes

Your tears are responsible for lubricating your eyes, even while you sleep. However, tear production may decrease overnight, or your tears might dry on the surface of your eyes, causing blurry vision when you wake up. Blinking can help remoisten the eyes, often clearing the blurriness.

2. Eye Allergies

Allergies can irritate the eyes and contribute to blurry vision, particularly in the morning. Dust mites, pet dander, or bedding materials could be exacerbating the issue while you sleep.

3. Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy

This eye condition causes the cornea to swell while you sleep, leading to blurry or cloudy vision in the morning. Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy is more common in women and may improve throughout the day as the cornea settles.

4. Medications

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, sleeping aids, and blood pressure medications, may reduce tear production, leading to dry eyes and blurry vision upon waking.

5. Sleeping Position

If you sleep on your face, you might wake up with "floppy eyelid syndrome," where the upper eyelid loses elasticity. This condition can cause morning blurriness, tearing, and eye discomfort.

6. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

The meibomian glands around your eyelids produce oil that helps protect and moisturize the eyes. When these glands are blocked or malfunctioning, they may contribute to dry, blurry vision in the morning.

When to See a Doctor

Blurry vision in the morning is often not a cause for concern if it resolves quickly. However, if it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, slurred speech, or eye pain, you should consult a doctor. These could be signs of more serious conditions like a stroke or head injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What eye drops can I use for blurry vision?

You can use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops to alleviate blurry vision caused by dry eyes. For age-related blurry vision (presbyopia), prescription eye drops like Vuity may help.

Is there an eye drop that improves your vision?

Usually, eye drops were used to treat inflammation of the eye or to get debris out of the eye, such as dirt or an eyelash that could have gotten into the eye and started to cause irritation.

However, there now are some eye drops that have been formulated to help improve a person’s vision. These are certainly newer to the market.

One of the brands of eye drops that can help to improve the vision of aging people is called Health Smart. These eye drops are FDA approved and can help the user to see better up close, specifically.

How can I improve blurred vision?

If you are suffering from blurred vision, you obviously want to treat it, as it is an inconvenience to your daily life! There are a few ways that you can fix blurry vision. It will depend upon what is causing it.

For instance, if you are beginning to lose your vision and do not have a prescription yet, you should see your eye doctor and get a prescription so that you can get contacts or eyeglasses. Dry eye can also cause blurred vision, so if you are suffering from dry eye, you should treat this with eye drops.

Can You Sleep With Contact Lenses in?

Sleeping in contact lenses is not recommended, as it increases the risk of corneal infections.

• Schedule an Eye Exam

• Common Causes of Dry Eyes

About Dr. Steven Hoang

Dr. Steven Hoang, a licensed optometrist with over 10 years of experience, specializes in comprehensive eye care, including the diagnosis and management of conditions such as dry eye, corneal dystrophies, and other vision-related health issues. His extensive knowledge in ocular health, coupled with his patient-first approach, ensures that you receive the highest level of care. Dr. Hoang is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in eye care technology and treatment options. He is an active member of Alberta College of Optometrist. Learn more about Dr. Steven Hoang here and his professional background by visiting his LinkedIn profile.