Having itchy eyes when you wake up can put a damper on your morning. Depending on whatever other symptoms you might have going on, like redness, dryness, or eye discharge, there could be several reasons for the itchiness.
Seasonal or Year-Round Allergies
Most often, itchy eyes are caused from allergies, which can either be seasonal or year-round. If you are allergic to pollen, grass, or weeds, you may have allergic conjunctivitis that can cause eye itchiness and runny or “gunky” eyes. Year-round allergies are caused by such contaminants as mold, dust, or dust mites, which you are likely to encounter most while in bed. For dust and dust mite allergies, a mattress cover and removing carpets from your bedroom may help. Certain medications anti-allergic eye drops, or oral antihistamines can help alleviate eye itchiness.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Eye itchiness is often a symptom of a common condition called dry eye syndrome. You may also experience a burning and/or dryness sensation or other symptoms like:
- Sore eyes
- Red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
In many cases, dry eye syndrome is caused by meibomian gland dysfunction or from the eyes’ lacrimal glands failing to produce enough fluid to keep your eyes moistened. Depending on the cause, your eye doctor will recommend a treatment or medication to give you relief from the itchiness and other symptoms.
You do not need to suffer in silence anymore with itchy eyes in the morning. Contact Valley Eyecare at (602) 955-2700 to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors to determine what is causing your eyes to itch.
