Wake up To Puffy Eyes or Eye Crust? It’s Likely ‘Morning Eyes’, and Here’s What Can Help

Waking up to blurry vision or pesky floaters is a frustrating — and sometimes alarming — experience. For many women in midlife, this visual disturbance, commonly referred to as "morning eyes," has become a familiar and unwelcome morning ritual. To better understand the causes and potential remedies for this common complaint, we spoke to eye care professionals who help unpack morning eyes, its connection to menopause and how to manage it.

What are morning eyes?

If you rub your eyes when you wake and notice “sleep crust”, eyelid swelling or irritation, it’s likely morning eyes. “Morning eyes typically refer to the common symptoms experienced in the eyes upon waking up,” explains Meena Agarwal, MD , Optometrist and Owner of Pickering Town Centre Optometric Clinic.

“These can range from swollen or puffy eyelids due to fluid retention overnight, dryness, redness, temporary blurred vision from adjusting in the morning or crusting/eye discharge in the mornings,” Dr. Agarwal adds.

“Women over 50 aren’t the only people to experience [morning eyes], but it can be common for women in this demographic to come across it more so than others,” adds Paul Michael Mann, MD , Ophthalmologist and Founder at Mann Eye.

Dr. Agarwal highlights more specific symptoms of morning eyes in women in midlife: “Common symptoms include dry eyes (often called watery eyes), presbyopia or difficulty focusing up close, floaters, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), meibomian gland dysfunction (blockage of the oil producing glands on your eyelid margin), cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.”

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How age impacts morning eyes

Dr. Mann explains that morning eyes “usually stem from age and hormonal changes due to menopause or perimenopause , and other lifestyle factors.”

As we age, our bodies undergo several changes that can impact eye health. For one, the production of tears, essential for maintaining eye moisture and clarity, tends to decrease. Dr. Agarwal explains that this leads to “dry eyes and the skin around the eyes becoming less elastic, leading to puffiness and swelling. Poor sleep and hydration can also add to the puffiness or fluid retention around the eyes.”

We’ve all experienced “eye gunk” or “eye crust” in the morning now and then. But Dr. Agarwal says that, over the years, “your meibomian glands can get clogged leading to dry, watery or irritated eyes. Similarly, blepharitis with time can lead to crusting, discharge and redness in the mornings.”

Dr. Mann notes other changes, including “the substance inside our eyes, called vitreous humor, [which] increases the likelihood of floaters.” Importantly, he advises patients to “monitor other potential health issues like diabetes , high blood pressure or thyroid problems, which could further impact your vision.”

The link to menopause

Menopause is a complex process involving hormonal fluctuations that can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. While there's no direct link between menopause and specific eye conditions, the hormonal changes associated with it can exacerbate pre-existing eye problems.

“Hormonal changes during menopause and perimenopause, particularly a decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to changes in tear production, causing dryness and discomfort in the eyes,” explains Dr. Agarwal. “Some medications also have side effects that can cause dry eyes or puffiness as a side effect including those for high blood pressure or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).”

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How to prevent morning eyes

While morning eyes can be bothersome, it's important to remember that often, these symptoms are temporary and manageable. Many women find relief from symptoms through a combination of self-care and medical interventions. What treatment option do our experts recommend?

“A daily lid hygiene routine is very important, and starting younger is better — similar to flossing and brushing for your teeth,” advises Dr. Agarwal. “This includes cleaning your lashes and lids with a mild, sensitive soap daily before bed and wiping your makeup off to ensure no residue blocks your meibomian glands overnight.”

Dr. Agarwal also recommends “using a warm compress for 10-15 minutes daily and a non-preserved artificial tear at least twice a day, morning and evening, [which] helps keep your eyes lubricated like we lubricate our skin with creams.” One to try: Refresh Tears PF Lubricant Eye Drops .

Finally, remember to get quality sleep and stay hydrated everyday , which can help prevent symptoms like swollen eyes and blurred vision .

“If these steps don’t cut it, or if your symptoms worsen, or say, you start seeing sudden floaters or flashes, it’s important to seek professional advice,” says Dr. Mann. “Trust me, regular eye exams are a must to keep your vision sharp, especially as you rock your 50s and beyond!”

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .