Do you often wake up with blurry vision? It’s a common problem that many people face, and it can be caused by a variety of factors.
Fortunately, there are several steps on how to fix blurry vision after waking up.
One of the most common causes of blurry vision in the morning is dry eyes. When you sleep, your eyes can become dehydrated, leading to a buildup of debris on your cornea.
Rubbing your eyes can actually make the problem worse, so it’s important to avoid this and take other steps to help alleviate the symptoms.
If you’re tired of waking up to blurry vision, keep reading to learn some simple tips and tricks that can help improve your eye health and get you seeing clearly again.
Causes Of Blurry Vision After Waking Up
If you wake up with blurry vision, there are several possible causes. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause discomfort, redness, and blurry vision.
Sleeping with your eyes partially open or in a room with low humidity can make your eyes dry. Rubbing your eyes can also worsen the condition.
To treat dry eyes, you can use artificial tears or eye drops. You can also try using a humidifier in your bedroom, avoiding fans or air conditioning that blow directly on your face, and blinking regularly to keep your eyes moist.
Cornea Swelling
The cornea is the clear outer layer of your eye that helps focus light. If the cornea swells, it can cause blurry vision.
Cornea swelling can be caused by wearing contact lenses for too long, sleeping in your contacts, or an eye infection.
To treat cornea swelling, you should remove your contact lenses and see an eye doctor.
They may prescribe eye drops or recommend other treatments to reduce the swelling and improve your vision.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors are problems with the way your eye focuses light. This can cause blurry vision, especially in the morning when your eyes are adjusting to light.
Common refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
To correct refractive errors, you may need glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. An eye doctor can perform an eye exam to determine the best treatment for you.
Eye Infections
Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or pink eye, can cause blurry vision, along with other symptoms like redness, itching, and discharge.
Eye infections are usually caused by bacteria or viruses and can be highly contagious.
To treat an eye infection, you should see an eye doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the cause of the infection.
How To Fix Blurry Vision After Waking Up
If you’re experiencing blurry vision after waking up, there are a few simple home remedies you can try before seeking medical attention. Here are some effective techniques:
Blinking Exercises
One of the easiest ways to improve blurry vision is by doing blinking exercises.
Blinking helps to moisten your eyes and clear out any debris that may be causing the blurriness. To do this exercise:
- Close your eyes for a few seconds.
- Open your eyes and blink rapidly for 30 seconds.
- Close your eyes again for a few seconds.
- Repeat this exercise three times.
Warm Compresses
If blurry vision is caused by dry eyes, a warm compress can help to stimulate the production of natural oils in your eyes. To use a warm compress:
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water.
- Wring out the excess water.
- Place the cloth over your closed eyes for 5-10 minutes.
- Repeat this process twice a day.
Eye Drops
If your blurry vision is caused by allergies or dry eyes, over-the-counter eye drops can help to alleviate the symptoms.
Look for eye drops that are specifically designed for dry eyes or allergies. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging carefully.
Proper Sleep Positioning
The position you sleep in can also affect your vision. Sleeping on your stomach or with your face buried in your pillow can put pressure on your eyes and cause blurry vision.
Try sleeping on your back with a pillow to support your neck, or on your side with a pillow between your knees.
Remember, if your blurry vision persists or worsens, it’s important to seek medical attention.
These home remedies are intended to provide temporary relief and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.
When To See A Doctor
If you experience blurry vision in the morning on a regular basis, it’s important to talk to your eye doctor.
They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe vision changes, such as a curtain-like shadow over your field of vision or a sudden loss of vision.
These symptoms could be a sign of a serious eye condition, such as retinal detachment, and require prompt medical attention.
Additionally, if you wear contact lenses and experience blurry vision in the morning, you should talk to your eye doctor.
Sleeping in contact lenses can increase your risk of eye infections and other complications, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for proper contact lens care and use.
Preventing Blurry Vision After Waking Up
If you wake up with blurry vision, there are several things you can do to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips:
Proper Sleep Hygiene
Getting enough sleep and maintaining good sleep hygiene can help prevent blurry vision in the morning.
Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night and keep a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid using electronic devices before bed and make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and quiet.
Eye Protection
Protecting your eyes while you sleep can also help prevent blurry vision in the morning. If you wear contact lenses, make sure to remove them before going to bed.
Consider wearing an eye mask to block out light and reduce dryness caused by air conditioning or heating. You can also try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients can help maintain good eye health and prevent blurry vision.
Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those high in vitamin A, C, and E. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts can also help improve eye health.
Regular Eye Check-Ups
Regular eye check-ups with an eye doctor can help detect and treat any underlying eye conditions that may be causing blurry vision.
Make sure to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor at least once a year, or as recommended by your doctor.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways to remember when trying to fix blurry vision after waking up:
- Remove your contact lenses before going to bed to avoid dry eyes and blurry vision in the morning.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes as it can damage the corneas and lead to blurry vision.
- Make sure to get enough sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to reduce the likelihood of waking up with blurry vision.
- If you have allergies, take steps to manage them as they can cause blurry vision in the morning.
- If you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to manage them properly as they can also contribute to blurry vision.
- If you experience sudden changes in vision that do not clear up with blinking or using eye drops, seek medical attention immediately.
- If you work on a computer for long hours, take breaks to rest your eyes and reduce eye strain.
- If you experience chronic blurry vision, consult with an eye doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.
By following these tips, you can reduce the likelihood of waking up with blurry vision and improve your overall eye health.