Professor Tatiana Shilova explained that red eyes in the morning are usually associated with instability of the tear film, noting that it requires a doctor's visit when accompanied by pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.

Shilova explains: "While sleeping, we do not blink, so tears are distributed unevenly on the surface of the eye, and when the eyelids do not close completely, the cornea dries out more. This is why upon waking, there may be redness in the eyes, a feeling of sand or burning, and temporary blurred vision."

Reasons for worsening morning redness

The doctor points to a number of factors that may worsen the problem, most notably: dry air, use of air conditioning, lack of sleep, prolonged use of screens the night before, as well as some medications, alcohol consumption, allergies, and wearing contact lenses.

She notes that morning redness in the elderly is often associated with dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, or chronic blepharitis.

She says: "If the redness occurs daily, it is necessary to treat chronic blepharitis, allergies, corneal damage, and incomplete eyelid closure during sleep."

Difference between dryness and conjunctivitis

Shilova warns that redness accompanied by dryness and visual fatigue differs from other cases; it is usually associated with a burning sensation, feeling of sand in the eye, heaviness, intermittent blurred vision, without obvious discharge.

She adds: "In infectious conjunctivitis, there is usually mucous or purulent discharge, eyelashes sticking together especially in the morning, with swelling of the eyelids. In viral infections, there may be tearing, photophobia, cold symptoms, and enlargement of the preauricular lymph nodes."

Symptoms requiring immediate doctor's visit

The doctor recommends seeing a doctor urgently if red eyes are accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

- Sudden decrease or blurred vision - Severe pain or excessive sensitivity to light - Sensation of a foreign body in the eye - Severe swelling of the eyelids and surrounding tissues - Severe headache or nausea - Difference in pupil size or shape - Copious purulent discharge

She warns that contact lens users who develop these symptoms may be at risk of corneal damage, including infectious keratitis.

Tips to prevent morning redness

Shilova advises improving bedroom conditions, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, taking regular breaks from screen use, and avoiding rubbing the eyes.

She concludes with an important warning: "Vasoconstrictor drops should not be used regularly to get rid of redness, because they do not treat the root cause, and their frequent use may worsen redness."