Why Do My Eyes Hurt When I Wake Up? 8 Causes and Their Treatments

Published on September 27th, 2023

Updated on May 15th, 2025

Your eyes hurting when you wake up may stem from common issues in the eye, such as dry eyes, eye allergies, pink eye, angle-closure glaucoma, recurrent epithelial erosion and inflammation of the eyelids. Eye pain upon waking may not be a cause for concern, however, it is still important to get your eyes examined by an optometrist to ensure there are no underlying causes. Continue reading below for more info on the causes and potentially helpful treatments for eye pain when waking up.

Is Eye Pain Upon Waking Up Common?

Yes, eye pain when waking up can be common, depending on the intensity of pain and whether you have accompanying symptoms. Eye pain when waking up may be common when waking up as the lacrimal gland releases fewer tears when you are sleeping. The lacrimal gland is defined as a tear-shaped gland that is positioned above the eyeball. It secretes fluids to keep the eye lubricated for optimal comfort, clean, and to keep it protected. The tears that are produced help maintain the eye's moisture levels, therefore, having fewer tears can lead to eye pain when waking up. Eye pain can be a common eye condition and, like other conditions, can originate from minor eye issues or more complex eye issues, which is why it is vital to see an optometrist. They will be able to evaluate whether further testing is required.

What Causes Eye Pain When Waking Up?

The causes of eye pain when waking up can include conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye, eye allergies, angle-closure glaucoma, eye fatigue, recurrent epithelial erosion and inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis). The causes of eye pain when waking up are listed below.

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis can be a cause of eye pain when waking up and is characterised by redness and tearing of the eye as a result of an infection or inflammation. The conjunctiva can become inflamed when viruses or bacteria get in the eye, when existing allergies are triggered, the presence of a foreign object in the eye, or from a chemical splash to the eye. The first signs of conjunctivitis can include redness in your sclera (white part of the eye), itchiness and excessive tears.

2. Dry Eye

Dry eyes are a common eye condition that can contribute to experiencing eye pain when waking up. Dry eyes can occur when the eyes do not have sufficient moisture, which can typically be caused by poor quality tears, when the tears evaporate too quickly or when less tears are produced. Dry eyes can also trigger symptoms such as itchiness, a gritty or sandy sensation in the eye, stinging, redness and light sensitivity.

3. Eye Allergies

Eye allergies can often lead to eye pain in addition to the other common symptoms that can take place during an allergic response. Eye allergies triggered by pollen, dust mites, mould and animal dander are likely causes of pain in one or both eyes when waking up. Other common symptoms of eye allergies can include eyelid swelling, redness and tearing.

4. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma can cause eye pain due to the increased pressure within the eye. This condition occurs when the normal drainage of fluid is blocked, causing a buildup of intraocular pressure. Symptoms may come on suddenly and include severe pain in one eye as well as other accompanying symptoms such as a headache, nausea, and vomiting. Angle-closure glaucoma is considered a medical emergency, so it is important to seek urgent medical assistance if you experience these symptoms.

5. Eye Fatigue

Eye fatigue can be a cause for eye pain when waking up as a result of the eye muscles overexerting effort when focusing on certain tasks for long periods. Waking up with eye fatigue could be a result of many different factors, however, it can likely occur from using the computer or your smartphone for long hours. Other symptoms that can ensue when experiencing eye fatigue can include itching, tired or sore eyes.

6. Recurrent Epithelial Erosion

Recurrent epithelial erosion is a syndrome that causes sharp pain in the eye when waking up, along with blurred vision, photophobia and tearing. A sharp pain is caused by the corneal epithelial cells unusually sticking to the inside of the upper eyelid as the surface of the eye dries. Recurrent epithelial erosion can occur as a result of corneal abrasion, corneal dystrophies, trauma to the cornea and diabetic patients, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. If you are experiencing sudden eye pain, it is strongly recommended to seek urgent medical care.

7. Inflammation of the Eyelids (Blepharitis)

Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) is a disease that occurs in the eyelid and can cause eye pain due to the swelling that occurs. Blepharitis can occur in the form of anterior blepharitis, which can develop as a result of bacteria or dandruff from the scalp and eyebrows. Posterior blepharitis may occur from the abnormal production of oil, which can allow bacteria to grow, according to the American Optometric Association. The symptoms of eyelid inflammation can include a burning or gritty sensation, itching, tearing, crusty discharge, redness and swelling in the eyelids.

Common eye conditions that can cause eye pain when waking up.

Can Sinus Problems or Headaches Cause Eye Pain When You Wake Up?

Yes, sinus problems or headaches can cause eye pain when you wake up. Problems with the sinuses such as sinusitis, refers to a swelling of the sinus cavities in the nose. Sinusitis can cause eye pain by increasing the amount of fluid in the face and causing an uncomfortable pressure on or behind the eyes. Sinusitis is most commonly caused by a cold or flu infecting the sinuses.

Is Age a Cause of Eye Pain When Waking Up?

Yes, age can be a reason why the eyes hurt when waking up, as age can increase the chances of developing eye conditions and problems that can induce pain. Eye pain can occur as a result of certain health and genetic factors. However, dry eyes are a likely cause of eye pain in the morning among older patients, as the body's ability to generate the right amount of tears and adequate quality of tears can decline as we age.

Can Incomplete Eyelid Closure During Sleep Cause Eye Pain in the Morning?

Yes, incomplete eyelid closure during sleep can cause eye pain in the morning. The inability to close one's eyes completely can potentially cause dry eyes, and therefore trigger pain in the eye as a result of insufficient moisture. This can occur when the eyes are exposed to the air, which can cause tears to evaporate. With dry eyes, other symptoms that can ensue include bloodshot eyes, itchiness and a scratchy or gritty sensation.

Can Sleeping in the Wrong Position Cause Eye Pain When You Wake Up?

No, sleeping wrong does not cause the eye to hurt when waking up. Sleeping incorrectly may not be a likely cause of eye pain, as it is typically a symptom of an underlying problem or condition in the eye, or is a result of a direct injury to the eye. However, sleeping wrong can lead to pain in your back, shoulders and neck, depending on the position, according to Health Direct.

What Steps Can You Take to Prevent Eye Pain When You Wake Up?

The steps you can take to prevent eye pain when you wake up include maintaining eye moisture, practising good hygiene, regularly taking anti-allergy medication and staying up to date with regular eye tests. Maintaining eye moisture can help prevent the development of dry eyes and general eye pain and irritation. It may be helpful to instill artificial tears in your eyes right before going to sleep to reduce the chances of your eyes drying out during the night. Practising good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching or scratching your eyes may lessen the likelihood of contracting any eye infections that can bring on pain. Regularly taking anti-allergy medication can help prevent your allergies from progressing further which prevents swelling and pain in your eyes. Regular eye tests can help with the early detection of any eye conditions that may trigger eye pain and can allow a quicker start on the prescribed treatment.

Do Eye Drops Help Prevent the Feeling of Eye Pain When You Wake Up?

Yes, eye drops can help prevent the feeling of eye pain when waking up, as the eye pain could be a symptom of certain eye conditions, which are typically treated with eye drops. Eye pain in relation to dry eye, allergies, pink eye and eyelid inflammation may be alleviated when addressing the initial ailment.

How do Contact Lenses Contribute to Eye Discomfort in the Morning?

Contact Lenses can contribute to eye discomfort in the morning as they can potentially reduce the blinking rate and the amount of tear production. According to the National Institutes of Health, blinking aids in spreading the tear film evenly over the eyes for sufficient moisture. Contact lenses shouldn't be worn during sleep or even when napping, as they can potentially provide an environment where bacteria can grow and increase the risk of infection. Contact lenses can also reduce oxygen flow to the cornea and can lead to corneal swelling and other issues, which can trigger pain in the eye.

Does Sleeping Early Reduce Eye Pain When Waking Up?

Yes, sleeping early may reduce eye pain when waking up as sleeping late at night may lead to your eyes exerting effort for longer hours in the day. Delaying sleep can trigger eye pain as you may be spending extended periods on your smartphone, computer or watching television, which are risk factors for eye fatigue and eye strain.

A woman lying in bed using her phone and experiencing eye pain

What are the Treatments For Eye Pain Upon Waking Up?

The treatments for eye pain when waking up are artificial tears, antibiotics, antihistamines and warm compresses. These are all effective treatment options that can help treat the initial eye condition that may be causing the eye to hurt after waking up. Artificial tears can be used to increase moisture in the eyes, which can help alleviate eye pain caused by dry eye. Using artificial tears for dry eye can take a few weeks to a month for effective treatment. Antibiotics can help treat any eye infections that bring on pain due to inflammation and can come in the form of tablets or eye drops. Symptoms can start improving 3-4 days after starting antibiotics, and they are effective in treating eye infections. Antihistamines can aid in relieving allergies, which may be the cause of eye pain due to the swelling that typically occurs. Antihistamines can be taken as a tablet or used as eye drops, and usually take effect after 30 minutes. Warm compresses may be recommended to alleviate pain that can arise from certain eye conditions, as it can improve the blood flow in the pain-inflicted areas. It also helps regulate oil production and helps prevent meibum blockages on the eyelid margins that can cause dry eyes.

A woman applying eye drops to relieve eye pain caused by an eye condition.

What Diagnostic Tests do Ophthalmologists Use to Identify the Cause of Eye Pain in the Morning?

The diagnostic tests that ophthalmologists use to identify the cause of eye pain in the morning may typically include a routine eye test. However, an optometrist is generally your primary eye care provider, so the optometrist will typically be the first eye care professional you would need to visit for eye pain. They can examine your condition and identify the underlying cause, and then assess whether you require further examination from an ophthalmologist.

What Symptoms Accompanying Eye Pain in the Morning Signal a Medical Emergency?

The symptoms accompanying eye pain in the morning that could indicate a medical emergency may include changes to your vision, headache, light sensitivity and nausea. It is important to note that these accompanying symptoms may not all be classified as a medical emergency, but an eye test with an optometrist should be sought to get a professional diagnosis. The accompanying symptoms of eye pain in the morning that may signal a medical emergency are listed below.

Changes to Your Vision: If you experience any changes to your vision in addition to eye pain in the morning, you should seek prompt medical attention. Changes to your vision can include partial or complete loss of vision, sudden blurry vision, a dark curtain or veil across your vision, vision distortion or double vision, according to the American Optometric Association.
Headache: A headache occurring along with eye pain in the morning can be a sign of both minor and more complex eye conditions, which is why it is important to get a full assessment of your condition. A headache is typically characterised by dull or sharp pains at any part of the head, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Light Sensitivity: Light sensitivity that occurs along with eye pain should be addressed with an optometrist. Light sensitivity or photophobia is when the eyes experience discomfort or feel the need to squint when exposed to bright lights or sunlight.
Nausea: Nausea in conjunction with eye pain in the morning may be associated with several different eye conditions as well as minor non-vision-related issues. Nausea is defined as a feeling of discomfort in the stomach and the feeling that you want to vomit.

When Should You See a Doctor For Eye Pain Upon Waking Up?

You should see a doctor for eye pain upon waking up if the pain feels severe or unusual and is accompanied by a fever, headache, changes to your vision and nausea or vomiting. Eye pain after waking up may only be concerning if other symptoms occur at the same time or soon after.

Can Puffy Eyes Lead to Sore Eyes When You Wake Up?

Yes, puffy eyes can lead to sore eyes when you wake up due to the increased fluid in them and is typically accompanied by other symptoms. Puffy eyes or swollen eyes can be triggered by having an allergic reaction, poor sleep and increased age.

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