Waking up with blurry vision can be a disorienting experience. If you have ever woken up and struggled to clear your vision first thing in the morning, you are not alone. Morning blurry vision is common and most of the time, totally harmless.
Read on to learn more about possible causes and treatments for blurry vision when you first wake up in the morning.
Why Is My Vision Blurry When I Wake Up
Blurry vision occurs when your eyes feel unfocused or you can not see first thing in the morning. Most of the time, people who wake up with blurry vision find that their vision clears after a few minutes by either rubbing their eyes or using eye drops.
If your blurry vision persists all day, call to make an urgent eye-care appointment with one of our doctors.
What Causes Blurry Vision
Environmental, medical, or genealogical conditions can cause blurry vision when you first wake up. In most cases, the treatment to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms will depend on the underlying cause. Before taking action, read on to learn more about what might be blurring your vision in the morning.
#1. Allergies
People with seasonal or environmental allergies can experience blurry vision. Eye allergies cause the eyes to dry out in an attempt to expel the allergen. When eyes dry, the vision blurs.
If you wake up with a blurry vision and you know you are prone to allergies, you might find that something in your house or around your bed is the culprit. Dust, pet dander, and mold are three common allergens that can cause blurry vision.
#2. Dry Eyes or Contact Lenses
The surface of your eyes needs frequent lubrication to stay healthy. If your eyes are not producing enough tears and are drying out, you can experience blurry vision. One reason you may be waking up with blurry vision could be that your eyes dried out overnight.
Another common cause of blurry vision is contact lenses. If you leave your contact lenses in too long or even sleep with them overnight, you are at risk of drying out your eyes.
In general, dehydration leads to dry eyes, which can lead to blurry vision. The following factors contribute to overall dehydration:
- Drinking alcohol in excess
- Sleeping too closely to a fan (this will dry out your eyes even while you are asleep!)
- Not drinking enough water regularly
- Living and sleeping in dry climates
#3. Fuchs’ Corneal Dystrophy
Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy is a disease that affects your cornea’s ability to nourish your eye and keep the surface moistened. This results in a build-up of fluid in the eye. While a build-up might sound like your eyes are getting enough moisture, Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy impacts the cornea’s distribution of that fluid. Blurry vision in the morning is a first, early-stage sign of Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy.
You can rule out environmental factors if your blurry vision does not improve throughout the day, or if you feel like there are grains of sand in your eye. People with Fuchs’ corneal dystrophy may also experience light sensitivity. It is imperative that you diagnose Fuch’s corneal dystrophy as soon as possible to initiate treatment and prevent future damage to your eyes. Schedule an exam with an experienced Art of Optiks doctor today.
#4. Floppy Eyelid Syndrome
Though doctors do not tend to diagnose floppy eyelid syndrome, it can be the underlying cause of blurry vision when you wake up. floppy eye syndrome is associated with some sleep disorders and can be a side effect of some medications. It causes eyelids to become loose and floppy. Loose eyelids impact the eye’s moisture levels, which can lead to dryness and blurred vision.
#5. Other Medical Causes
Your blurry vision might be caused by other medical conditions. One common symptom of diabetes is dry eyes. Upwards of 54% of people with diabetes experience dry eyes. Eye health is related to glycemic health; people who suffer from glycemic conditions like diabetes might notice eye symptoms as well.
Another condition that results in blurry vision is meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibomian glands are oil-secreting glands on the underside of your eyelids that support moist, healthy eyes. Oil from the meibomian gland mixes with water from tear ducts to create a film that protects your eyes from drying out. If those glands are not producing oil effectively, the resulting dryness can cause you to wake up with a blurred vision.
What to Do When You Wake Up With Blurry Vision
Not every person who experiences blurry vision needs to seek treatment. If blurry vision goes away on its own and is unaccompanied by other symptoms, blinking or waiting for the morning fog to lift is a fine enough treatment.
There are other at-home or store-bought remedies to try before seeking medical support. Some common treatments for blurry vision include:
- Taking allergy medication to relieve allergy symptoms
- Sweeping or cleaning around your bed to remove any dust or dandruff allergens
- Putting a warm washcloth on your eyes to stimulate oil and moisture production
- Using eye drops that support lubrication
- Keeping generally hydrated; drinking lots of water and refraining from activities that dehydrate you
When to See a Doctor
Blurry vision is rarely a condition itself and is usually a symptom of an environmental or internal irritant. You should see an optometrist or doctor to address your blurry vision in the morning if you experience one or more of the following:
- Blurry vision that persists longer than a day
- Blurry vision accompanied by eye pain or light sensitivity
- Consistent blurry vision when you wake up that does not improve with lifestyle or environmental changes
Relief for Blurry Vision Is at Your Fingertips
Blurry vision can be uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and aggravating. Though it is rarely serious, some people who experience blurry vision when they wake up in the morning might have an undiagnosed medical need. At Art of Optiks, a team of experienced doctors and opticians are ready to discuss why you are waking up with a blurred vision and how to alleviate symptoms while addressing the underlying cause.
Our experts can diagnose a medical condition, or work with you to identify changes to your environment or habits. Give us a call or make an appointment online to get started.
