If so, you may be sleeping with your eyes open! Nocturnal Lagophthalmos is the scientific term for this, which means that your eyelids don’t fully close while you sleep. This condition can cause dry eyes, irritation, and discomfort because your eyes are exposed to air, even at night. The good news is, there are simple ways to help protect your eyes while you sleep using nighttime eye gels, ointments and eye masks.
How do I know if I have lagophthalmos?
Apart from being told by friends or family that you sleep with your eyes open; your optometrist will be able to detect lagophthalmos as part of a dry eye evaluation. Your optometrist will assess your eyelid function and position, and use a special dye to identify dry patches.
Why Nighttime Protection Matters
During the day, blinking helps spread tears across your eyes, keeping them moist. At night, if your eyes are partially open, they don’t get that moisture. This is where nighttime eye gels, ointments, and masks come in—they can help lock in moisture and create a barrier to protect your eyes from drying out while you sleep.
Nighttime Eye Gels and Ointments
1. Eye Gels
Nighttime eye gels are thicker than regular eye drops. They’re designed to stay on the surface of your eye longer, providing a protective layer that helps prevents your eyes from drying out. Gels offer moisture without being too heavy or sticky.
2. Eye Ointments
Ointments are thicker than gels and offer even longer-lasting protection. They form an oily barrier over the eye, keeping it moist throughout the night. The downside is that they can make your vision blurry, so they’re best used only at bedtime when you don’t need to see clearly.
Nighttime Eye Masks
In addition to gels or ointments, using an eye mask can provide an extra layer of protection. These masks are designed to gently cover your eyes and form a seal around your eyes to block out air and reduce the risk of dryness.
Tips for Success
Clean your eyelids: Keeping your eyelids clean helps prevent infection. Use a gentle cleanser to wipe your lids before applying any product.
Talk to your optometrist: Always consult with your optometrist to figure out the best treatment plan for your condition. The optometrist can recommend the right type of gel or ointment for you and formulate a dry eye treatment plan.
Be patient: It might take time to get used to the feeling of using an ointment or wearing an eye mask, but it can make a big difference in the comfort your eyes in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Lagophthalmos can be uncomfortable, but with the right nighttime routine — using gels, ointments, and an eye mask—you can protect your eyes and wake up with less irritation. Taking these simple steps can help keep your eyes comfortable while you sleep and set you up for a great day ahead!
Book in for a dry eye evaluation here at Canon Street Optometrists today!
Clare Coventry
It’s always handy to have a centralised place to find out all the latest updates and have your burning questions answered. We think this blog section should do the trick!
In our blogs, we’ll make sure you can readily navigate your way through the topics of interest, keep up to date with the latest happenings within the practice and in the diverse world of optometry.
If you think there’s a topic we may not have gotten to yet, please leave us a suggestion in the comments section.
Otherwise, sit back, put your feet up, grab a cuppa and delve into your favourite blog.
Categories
Tags
Recent Posts
Rarotonga International Triathlon
New Brands
Behavioural Optometry
