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Many people have the unpleasant experience of waking up with dry eyes. Why is that, and what can be done about it?
Dry eye is generally caused by either inadequate tear production, or a problem with the tear film that leads to it evaporating too quickly. So why would people get dry eye overnight?
Nocturnal lagophthalmos is the condition where the eyelids don’t fully close while sleeping. It is thought to be caused by a weakness in the seventh cranial nerve (also known as the facial nerve), which can be caused by: injury to the cerebellar artery (which delivers blood to the face), jaw or skull trauma, or Bell’s Palsy (sudden but generally temporary weakness in facial muscles.)
The eyelids not closing while asleep can negatively impact the tear film (the layer of fluid which covers the eyes), and, if the eyes are exposed to air without the proper blinking, a process which reapplies tears to keep the eyes lubricated, they can become dry.
A 2020 study found that this condition, in addition to causing dry eye upon awakening, nocturnal lagophthalmos can worsen dry eye symptoms and reduce the quality of your sleep. This research also found that an overstimulation of the Muller’s muscle (one of the two muscles which keep the eye open while you are awake) can cause this condition.
Other risk factors for nocturnal lagophthalmos include younger age, and shift work.
There are few things you can do to deal with your NL. These include:
Relaxing activities, like the warm bath, can increase your parasympathetic activity, which regulates the “rest and digest” function and decreases sympathetic activity prior to falling asleep. This may also reduce the stimulation of the Muller’s muscle.
Taping the eyelids closed physically keeps your eyes covered, which should help keep them better lubricated.
Other standard treatments for dry eye can be effective at treating symptoms from nighttime dry eye, such as artificial tears.
If you experience dry eye upon waking up, it is likely caused by nocturnal lagophthalmos. In addition to the suggestions listed above, a doctor can provide you with additional guidance on what to do to treat and resolve this issue. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a consultation at Amplify EyeCare of Greater Long Beach, you can contact us at (562) 925-6591. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over California, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Bellflower, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Los Angeles.
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
Very professional staff and pleasant.
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