Waking up with crusty eyelids isn’t exactly the best way to start your day. It’s uncomfortable, irritating, and often even concerning. This is a common problem that can develop due to all kinds of eye conditions, and fortunately, your optometrist can help you find relief.
Waking up with crusty eyelids is often due to:
- Allergies
- Dry eyes
- Pink eye
- Styes
- Blepharitis
So how do you recognize these conditions—and what can you do about them?
Allergies
Allergies are a common culprit when it comes to waking up with crusty eyelids. When you’re exposed to allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust—even while you’re asleep—your body can react and set off all kinds of symptoms.
This is much more likely to occur if you don’t regularly wash and change your bedsheets and pillowcases. They can trap allergens between their fibers, which become disturbed when you’re sleeping. Try to keep an eye out for the other signs of allergies, such as:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Runny nose
- Scratchy throat
If you think allergies are causing your crusty eyelids, try to use allergy medication when needed to reduce your symptoms. It helps to regularly change your sheets and pillowcases, too.
Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease can also cause the discomfort of waking up with crusty eyelids. This common condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms can be exacerbated by environmental factors such as dry air or excessive screen time. Common signs include:
- Persistently dry, gritty, or scratchy eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision, particularly after long periods of focus
- Redness or irritation in the eyes
You can find relief from dry eyes by using over-the-counter artificial tears and using warm compresses where possible. Using a humidifier indoors and protecting your eyes against wind, smoke, and harsh environments can help as well.
If your symptoms persist, visit your optometrist to discuss dry eye therapy. This professional in-office treatment can help you find long-lasting relief from your dry eyes.
Pink Eye
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an infection or allergic reaction that inflames the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer covering the white part of your eye and the inner surface of your eyelids. There are three main types of pink eye: viral, bacterial, and allergic.
Viral conjunctivitis is caused by a virus and is highly contagious. Bacterial conjunctivitis results from a bacterial infection and can also spread easily. Allergic conjunctivitis, on the other hand, is triggered by allergens and isn’t contagious, though it often occurs alongside other allergy symptoms.
You can typically recognize pink eye by visible redness, swelling, and a constant itching sensation. This can also cause discharge around the eyelids, which can crust over while you sleep. If you suspect you’re dealing with pink eye, visit your optometrist to discuss treatment.
Styes
Styes are small, uncomfortable red lumps that develop near the edges of your eyelids. They often look like a pimple or a small raised bump.
These occur when the oil glands or hair follicles on your eyelids become clogged and infected, often leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness. They can also cause crusty build-up around the eyelids.
Usually, styes go away on their own within a few days. You can speed up this process by applying warm compresses and keeping your eyes clean, but make sure you never try to pop a stye—this can cause worse symptoms and potentially spread the infection to your eye’s surface. If your symptoms become too painful, visit your optometrist for professional treatment.
Blepharitis
Your eyes are a sensitive organ, and they can easily become inflamed when exposed to bacteria. Blepharitis, a chronic condition, develops when bacteria inflame the oil glands and can be set off by:
- Clogged oil glands in the eyelids
- Skin conditions like dandruff or rosacea
- A buildup of mites on the skin’s surface
Blepharitis is usually recognizable by redness, swelling, and light sensitivity. Meanwhile, it can also cause crustiness around the eyelids, making it a common cause of crusty eyelids in the morning. This condition is chronic; if you’ve experienced these symptoms before, you’ll likely experience them again in the future—especially if you don’t practice proper hygiene.
If you suspect you have blepharitis, proper eyelid hygiene is key. You can use an eyelid scrub or warm compress to remove bacteria and debris from the lid margins. If your symptoms persist, visit your optometrist to discuss treatment options. They can recommend an appropriate treatment, like antibacterial ointments or in-office eyelid cleansing, to reduce your symptoms.
Let Our Team Help
If you’re dealing with crusty eyelids or any other eye-related issues, our team at Pacific EyeCare Optometry is here to help. We’re dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, and we know how to help you find relief. Book an appointment with our team today to get the care you deserve.
