“My eyes feel like they are glued shut when I wake up.” I hear some version of that every week. It is an uncomfortable way to start the day, and it often has a treatable cause.
The most likely explanation
In the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) Ask an Ophthalmologist series, a reader described eyes that felt glued within an hour of closing them, needing a warm washcloth to open them. The answering ophthalmologist said the most likely cause is dry eye syndrome. As we age, the tear film tends to decrease, a little more in women than men, and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis are often associated with dry eye too.
First-line treatment: tear replacement
The AAO answer describes over-the-counter artificial tears as the main treatment. They come in a range of thicknesses:
- Thin, watery drops, much like natural tears, for daytime use
- More viscous drops and gels, to varying degrees
- Ointments, some “as thick as honey.” In my practice, many people save these for bedtime because they blur vision for a while
(The ophthalmologist adds, with good humor: do not put actual honey in your eyes.)
When drops are not enough: blocking the drainage tubes
Tears drain from the eye through small drainage tubes near the nose, one in the upper and one in the lower lid of each eye, which is why your nose gets stuffy when you cry. The AAO answer explains that one of the most common dry eye treatments is to block these drainage tubes, temporarily or permanently, to help retain tears on the surface of the eye. Eye doctors often do this with tiny punctal plugs.
Other causes to rule out
Gluey lids are not always dry eye. Eyelid inflammation, allergies or infection can cause sticky lashes too. If your lids are red, crusted or swollen, or there is colored discharge, see your eye doctor rather than just adding more drops.
Small habits that help
- Use a thicker gel or ointment at bedtime if your doctor agrees.
- Run a humidifier in the bedroom during dry months.
- Point fans and heater vents away from your face at night.
For readers interested in eyelid conditions and how they affect comfort, this eyelid and eye health blog is a helpful resource.
The AAO answer ends on an encouraging note: researchers are making great strides in understanding dry eye. Most people with morning gluey lids can get real relief with the right combination of treatments.
Source: Dry Eye Symptoms (Ask an Ophthalmologist) (American Academy of Ophthalmology). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Leave a Reply