Sleeping with Your Eyes Open? Here’s Why (and How to Fix It)
Lagophthalmos, a condition where the eyelids don’t fully close, can cause irritation, discomfort, and dry eyes — especially at night. In this post, we share five simple ways to protect your eyes, including why sleeping masks often fall short, how eye tape provides a secure seal, the benefits of daily eye habits and massages, when to use artificial tears, and why surgery should only be a last resort. These tips can help you stay comfortable, protect your vision, and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Sleeping with Eyes Open (Nocturnal Lagophthalmos): Complete Guide to Relief
Nocturnal lagophthalmos — when your eyelids don’t fully close during sleep — is a surprisingly common cause of dry, irritated eyes in the morning. That small gap allows tears to evaporate, leaving the cornea exposed and unprotected. If you often wake up with sandy, burning eyes, this guide will show you exactly why it happens, how to identify it, and the most effective ways to protect your eyes overnight and during the day.
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What It Feels Like (Common Symptoms)
- Dry, gritty, or burning eyes upon waking
- Morning blur or light sensitivity that improves as the day goes on
- Redness, foreign-body sensation, or stinging
- Partners noticing your eyes partly open during sleep
Untreated exposure can inflame the ocular surface and, in severe or chronic cases, lead to corneal injury (exposure keratopathy). See a professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
How to Tell if You Have Nocturnal Lagophthalmos
- Partner check: Ask someone to observe whether your eyelids stay partly open during sleep.
- Phone video: Record a short clip while you fall asleep (dim light). Look for upper or lower lid gaps.
- Flashlight “lid-seal” test: In a dark room, gently close your eyes and shine a small light from below the lashes (not into the eyes). If light leaks through, your lids may not fully close.
Why It Happens (Common Causes)
- Lid anatomy & laxity: Natural partial closure during sleep; age-related laxity; floppy eyelid syndrome.
- Nerve or muscle issues: Facial nerve weakness (e.g., Bell’s palsy), post-stroke, or thyroid eye disease.
- Post-surgical changes: Upper-lid blepharoplasty or other eyelid/facial procedures can alter closure.
- Environment & habits: Fans, vents, or CPAP mask leaks can cause long-term exposure dryness.
- Systemic & lifestyle factors: Poor sleep, dehydration, or alcohol before bed can worsen dryness.
The Treatment Overview (Layer Your Protection)
Lasting relief comes from addressing both the physical and environmental causes of exposure. Combine eyelid sealing at night with lubrication, humidity control, and healthy daytime routines.
1) Seal the Eyelids (High Impact)
Sleep masks often shift overnight and rarely provide a perfect seal. The most effective and comfortable method is using eyelid-sealing tape specifically designed for sensitive skin. This keeps moisture locked in, protects the cornea, and prevents morning dryness.
If you need a reliable option, EyeOasis Sleeping Tape offers a soft silicone adhesive that holds gently overnight and removes pain-free in the morning—ideal for lagophthalmos, CPAP dryness, or post-surgery recovery.
2) Add Overnight Lubrication
- Use preservative-free tears before bed.
- Apply a gel or ointment 10–15 minutes before sleep for long-lasting hydration.
- Combine with a lid seal for maximum protection.
3) Optimize Your Bedroom Environment
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry air.
- Avoid fans or vents blowing toward your face.
- If you use a CPAP machine, ensure the mask fits properly and humidification is turned on.
4) Maintain Eyelid Hygiene
- Use a gentle eyelid cleanser or hypochlorous-acid-based wipe daily to remove debris and bacteria.
- Warm compresses help activate meibomian glands, improving the tear film’s oil layer and reducing evaporation.
5) Strengthen Daytime Eye Habits
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule when on screens: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Blink fully and often to refresh the tear film.
- Stay hydrated and eat omega-3-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, or flaxseed.
Special Note for CPAP Users
CPAP air leaks are one of the most common hidden causes of nighttime dryness. Ensure your mask is properly fitted, adjust straps to redirect airflow away from your eyes, and use heated humidification. Pairing your device with an eyelid-sealing solution can dramatically reduce irritation and dryness.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
- Persistent morning redness or pain
- Frequent corneal abrasions or irritation
- Recent eyelid or facial surgery
- Underlying conditions like Bell’s palsy or thyroid eye disease
Your eye doctor may suggest prescription drops, punctal plugs to retain natural tears, or specialized lenses. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where non-invasive methods fail.
Surgical Options (For Severe or Refractory Cases)
- Gold or platinum eyelid weights to help with closure.
- Partial tarsorrhaphy — temporarily narrowing the eyelid opening to protect the cornea.
- Corrective eyelid procedures for post-surgical or nerve-related issues.
Quick FAQ
Is sleeping tape safe to use every night?
Yes — if it’s designed for the delicate eyelid skin. Avoid harsh medical or surgical tapes; choose silicone-based options tested for irritation and cytotoxicity.
Can sleep masks replace eyelid tape?
Not effectively. Masks often move and leave gaps. Eyelid sealing ensures complete closure and moisture retention throughout the night.
Does improving sleep help?
Yes. Adequate rest and regular blinking patterns support tear production and corneal recovery.
Shop the Solution
Protect your eyes naturally overnight with EyeOasis Sleeping Tape — skin-friendly, ISO-tested, and designed for lagophthalmos, CPAP dryness, and post-surgical recovery.
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Exposure Keratopathy: Diagnosis and Management. EyeNet Magazine.
- EyeWiki (AAO). Exposure Keratopathy. (Paralytic and nocturnal lagophthalmos overview.)
- Craig JP, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition & Classification Report. Ocul Surf. 2017.
- Kadyan A, et al. Ocular findings in sleep apnoea patients using CPAP. Eye (Lond). 2010.
- Fu YK, et al. Associations Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Dry Eye Disease; impact of CPAP. 2024.
- Lee YB, et al. Sleep deprivation reduces tear secretion and impairs the ocular surface. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014.
- Nau A. Better manage nocturnal lagophthalmos for dry eye patients. Optometry Times.