Why Does My Eye Itch While Sleeping? Nighttime Eye Allergies

Q: Why Does My Eye Itch While Sleeping? Nighttime Eye Allergies

Hello Mr. <br>Wang： The itching at night may be caused by allergic conjunctivitis due to dust mites. <br>First, try to modify your environment to prevent exposure to dust mites. <br>Allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva may require some time for treatment and reduction of alle

Experiencing itchy eyes while sleeping?

Hello, doctor! About 1-2 months ago, I was suddenly awakened at night by intense itching in the inner corner of my right eye.
When I looked in the mirror in the morning, I noticed a lot of red blood vessels in the lower eyelid and an increase in eye discharge.
The itching symptoms seem to occur mainly while I’m sleeping; I wake up due to the itchiness and can go back to sleep once it subsides.
For about 10 days, I experienced itching during the night on approximately 8 of those nights, and sometimes the inner corner of my left eye would also itch (usually it’s just my right eye).
Initially, I thought it was an allergy, so I cleaned my room, and after a while, the itching stopped.
However, both of my eyes developed new blood vessels that weren’t there before, and the lower eyelid of my right eye remained red.
After some time, the itching returned, but it wasn’t as severe (just enough to scratch a few times to relieve it).
Last week, I visited a doctor who suggested it might be an allergy and prescribed a 5-day course of steroid ointment, anti-inflammatory eye drops, and artificial tears.
It has been 6 days, and there seems to be no improvement; I still wake up in the middle of the night due to itching (I find myself rubbing my eyes when I wake up).
Today, I noticed a large amount of yellowish discharge from the lower eyelid of my right eye.
I’m unsure what the issue is.
My recent sleep schedule has been from around 2 to 4 AM until 10 to 12 PM, and I spend 8-12 hours a day in front of a screen while wearing glasses.
However, those glasses were prescribed during my student days.
I asked the doctor about my prescription, and they said it hasn’t changed much, so I don’t need new glasses (the prescription for my right eye is -0.50 diopters with -1.25 astigmatism, and for my left eye, it’s -0.50 diopters with -0.25 astigmatism).
P.S.
During the day, I hardly experience itching; it’s mostly when I close my eyes at night that I sometimes feel a strange itchiness in the lower eyelid of my right eye, which goes away after a while.
However, I wake up in the middle of the night due to itching, either rubbing my eyes or having my hand near the corner of my eye.
I used to be able to sleep for a full 8 hours without waking up, but now I wake up every 4-6 hours due to itching before I can continue sleeping.

Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/21

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Mr.
Wang: The itching at night may be caused by allergic conjunctivitis due to dust mites.
First, try to modify your environment to prevent exposure to dust mites.
Allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva may require some time for treatment and reduction of allergic reactions before improvement is seen.
Please follow your physician's instructions for medication and eliminate allergens; this should lead to gradual improvement.
The Ophthalmology Department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; it is necessary to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2020/05/21

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating and uncomfortable issue with your eyes, particularly at night. Based on your description, it seems likely that you are dealing with a combination of nighttime allergies and possibly some environmental factors that are exacerbating your symptoms.

Possible Causes of Nighttime Eye Itching
1. Allergic Reactions: Allergies are a common cause of itchy eyes, especially at night. Dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can all trigger allergic reactions. When you lie down to sleep, allergens can become more concentrated in your sleeping environment, leading to increased symptoms. The fact that you mentioned cleaning your room suggests that you might be trying to reduce these allergens, which is a good step.

2. Dry Eyes: Prolonged screen time, especially if you are using devices for 8-12 hours a day, can lead to dry eyes. When you sleep, your eyes may not be adequately lubricated, especially if you are not producing enough tears. This can cause irritation and itching, particularly if you are waking up and rubbing your eyes.

3. Environmental Irritants: Other factors such as air conditioning, heating, or even certain bedding materials can irritate your eyes. If you have recently changed your sleeping environment, this could also be a contributing factor.

4. Infection: While you mentioned that your doctor suggested allergies, it’s also worth considering that an infection, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), could cause similar symptoms. The presence of yellow discharge could indicate an infection, which would require different treatment.

Recommendations for Relief
1. Maintain a Clean Environment: Continue to keep your sleeping area clean. Regularly wash your bedding in hot water to eliminate dust mites and other allergens. Consider using hypoallergenic pillowcases and mattress covers.

2. Use Artificial Tears: If dry eyes are a concern, using preservative-free artificial tears before bed can help keep your eyes lubricated throughout the night. This can reduce irritation and the urge to rub your eyes.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Try to reduce your screen time at least an hour before bed. This can help decrease eye strain and improve your overall sleep quality.

4. Consult an Eye Specialist: Since your symptoms have persisted despite treatment, it may be beneficial to see an eye specialist for a more thorough examination. They can check for any underlying conditions, such as infections or other ocular issues, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

5. Consider Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, you might want to consider allergy testing to identify specific triggers. This can help you take more targeted measures to avoid allergens.

6. Follow Up on Medication: If you were prescribed steroid ointments and eye drops, ensure you are using them as directed. If you see no improvement, follow up with your doctor to discuss alternative treatments or further investigations.

Conclusion
Your symptoms of nighttime eye itching and discomfort are likely related to a combination of allergies, environmental factors, and possibly dry eyes. By maintaining a clean sleeping environment, using artificial tears, and consulting with an eye specialist, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms. It's essential to monitor your condition and seek further medical advice if your symptoms persist or worsen. Remember, your eye health is crucial, and addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line.

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