Picture this: It’s early morning, and you slowly wake up, feeling groggy and half-asleep. As you rub your eyes and attempt to open them, an uncomfortable sensation greets you – crusty eyes in the morning.
It’s an experience that most of us have faced at some point in our lives. Let’s walk through the introduction of crusty eyes, exploring what causes them and their symptoms.
Most importantly, we will discuss how to get rid of crusty eyes in the morning using natural home remedies.
Table of Contents
What are Crusty Eyes?
Crusty eyes, commonly known as “eye boogers” or “sleep” in colloquial terms, are dried-up particles that accumulate in the corners of our eyes while we sleep.
They can vary in texture from soft and moist to hard and crusty, and they tend to cling to your eyelashes or form a thin film over your eyes.
This phenomenon is common and usually harmless. However, it can be uncomfortable and unsightly.
What Causes Crusty Eyes in the Morning?
During the day, your constant eye blinking wipes away dust, old cells, extra mucus, and tears from your eyes.
But what happens at night when you are sleeping? Let’s see what are the causes of crusty eyes:
Natural Tear Production
One of the primary causes of crusty eyes is your body’s natural tear production. Research shows that tears are a mixture of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies.
When you’re asleep, your eyes produce fewer tears, allowing these components to combine and form crusty deposits.
Allergies
Allergens like dust, pollen, or pet dander can irritate your eyes. It may lead to increased tear production overnight.
As these tears evaporate, they leave behind crusty residues.
Eye Infections
Bacterial or viral infections, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), can result in excessive tearing and the formation of crusty discharge around the eyes.
Dry Eyes
Contrary to what you might think, dry eyes can lead to crusty eyes.
When your eyes are dry, your body compensates by producing more tears, which can subsequently become crusty when they dry up.
Doctor Recommendation: Dr. Hassnain Muhammad Baksh is a qualified Ophthalmologist with 13 years of experience in the field. You can consult him for any eye problems you might have.
How to Know If You Have Crusty Eyes in the Morning?
Recognizing crusty eyes is usually straightforward, as they manifest through several noticeable symptoms:
- Eye Discharge: The most obvious sign is the presence of discharge, which can range from clear and watery to yellow or green in color.
- Eye Redness: Your eyes may appear redder than usual due to irritation or inflammation caused by the discharge.
- Grittiness or Itchiness: Crusty eyes can make your eyes feel gritty or itchy, making it uncomfortable to open them.
- Blurry Vision: In severe cases, crusty residue may blur your vision until you clean your eyes.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Crusty Eyes in the Morning
Now that we have explored the causes and symptoms. Let’s enlist some effective home remedies and tips to deal with crusty eyes:
Warm Compress
A warm compress helps soften and loosen the dried crusts in the corners of your eyes. It also helps improve blood circulation around the eyes.
How to use it:
- Start by washing your hands to prevent introducing any dirt or bacteria to your eyes.
- Soak a clean washcloth in warm water (not too hot to avoid burning your skin).
- Gently wring out the excess water and place the warm washcloth over your closed eyelids.
- Keep it there for 2-5 minutes or until the cloth cools.
- Gently wipe away the softened crusts with the washcloth.
- Repeat as needed until your eyes feel comfortable.
Lid Scrubs
Lid scrubs help remove debris, oils, and crusts from the eyelids and lashes, improving overall eye hygiene.
How to use it:
- Purchase a commercial eyelid scrub from a pharmacy or use a homemade solution.
- Mix a few drops of mild baby shampoo with warm water to create a gentle cleansing solution. It can serve as a homemade solution.
- Apply the solution to a clean washcloth or cotton pad.
- Close your eyes and gently rub the washcloth or cotton pad along your eyelids and the base of your eyelashes.
- Rinse your eyelids with warm water or use a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
Blink Exercises
Blinking helps spread your natural tears evenly across the surface of your eyes, rehydrating them and reducing crustiness.
How to use it:
- Sit comfortably with your eyes open.
- Blink rapidly for about 20-30 seconds.
- Rest for a few seconds and repeat this exercise for 1-2 minutes.
- You can do this in the morning to help alleviate crusty eyes and throughout the day to maintain eye moisture.
Artificial Tears
Preservative-free artificial tears or lubricating eye drops provide immediate relief by adding moisture to your eyes.
How to use it:
- Check with your eye doctor to find the artificial tears for your needs.
- Tilt your head slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
- Instill one or two drops.
- Blink a few times to distribute the artificial tears evenly.
- Use as directed on the product packaging or as recommended by your doctor.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall eye health. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, exacerbating crustiness. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Pay attention to your body’s thirst signals and drink more if needed, especially in hot or dry climates.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keeping your bedding, pillowcases, and washcloths clean reduces the likelihood of allergens and irritants accumulating in your sleeping environment.
Wash your bedding and pillowcases regularly in hot water to remove dust mites and allergens.
Use hypoallergenic pillow covers to minimize exposure to allergens. Change and launder washcloths and towels frequently.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can introduce dirt, bacteria, and irritants, exacerbating crustiness and potentially leading to eye infections.
When you need to remove crusts or soothe itchiness, use a clean tissue or a cotton ball instead of rubbing with your fingers. Be gentle to avoid causing further irritation.
Allergen Management
Managing allergens in your bedroom can help reduce allergic reactions and excessive tearing that can lead to crusty eyes.
Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons to prevent allergens from entering your room. Use an air purifier to reduce airborne allergens. Regularly clean and vacuum your room to remove dust and pet dander.
When to Visit an Ophthalmologist?
Crusty eyes in the morning can be annoying, but with knowledge and a few simple steps, you can effectively manage and prevent them.
If you experience persistent or severe crusty eyes, consult a qualified opthalmologist. They can identify underlying issues like infections or chronic dry eye syndrome.
In the meantime, adopt these home remedies and tips for brighter, crust-free mornings.
