Having trouble opening your eyes can be caused by a variety of factors. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why you may be unable to open your eyes fully and what you can do about it.
Dry Eyes
One of the most common causes of difficulty opening your eyes is dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to stay lubricated. As a result, your eyes may feel gritty, irritated, or even painful when you try to open them. Blinking redistributes tears to moisten your eyes, so if you have dry eyes, your eyes may feel stuck shut in the morning since you don’t blink while sleeping.
Dry eyes can be caused by different factors like:
- Aging – tear production tends to decrease as we get older
- Medications – certain drugs like antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and others can reduce tear production
- Medical conditions – diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders are associated with dry eyes
- Environment – dry, windy, or polluted environments can accelerate moisture evaporation from the eyes
- Staring at screens – reduced blinking when staring at screens for too long allows more evaporation of tears
To help with dry eyes, use over-the-counter artificial tear drops to add moisture back to your eyes. Gently massage your eyelids to help distribute the tears before opening your eyes. Using a cool, wet washcloth on your eyes can also provide relief.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids that can cause swelling, redness, burning, and sticking of the eyelids. It’s often caused by a bacterial infection or dandruff-like scaling of the eyelids. Blepharitis leads to crusting of the eyelashes and buildup at the base of the eyelashes, which can glue your eyes shut.
To treat blepharitis:
- Use warm compresses on your eyes to loosen crusts and debris
- Gently scrub your eyelids with diluted baby shampoo using cotton pads to remove scales and buildup
- Apply antibiotic ointment to eyelid margins if prescribed by your doctor
- Take medication like oral antibiotics or steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation if recommended by your ophthalmologist
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, results in redness, swelling, irritation, and discharge from your eyes. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. The drainage from conjunctivitis can make your eyelids sticky and difficult to open.
To help with conjunctivitis:
- Use a warm, wet washcloth to gently wipe away discharge and crusts
- Apply cool compresses to relieve swelling and itching
- Use antibiotic eye drops if prescribed by your doctor for bacterial conjunctivitis
- Take antihistamine eye drops for allergic conjunctivitis
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent spreading infection
Chalazion
A chalazion is a lump on your eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. Chalazia can develop due to chronic inflammation or bacterial infection of an oil gland. The bump may press on your eyeball, making it difficult to open your eyes.
To treat a chalazion:
- Apply warm compresses 4-6 times a day to promote drainage
- Massage the lump gently with clean fingers to help clear the blocked gland
- Use antibiotic eye ointment if prescribed by your ophthalmologist
- Get an injection of steroids into the lump to reduce swelling
- Have minor surgery to drain the cyst if it doesn’t resolve with other treatments
Eye Injury
Trauma to your eye or eyelids from an injury can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty opening your eyes. Chemical burns, scratches on the cornea, or blunt injuries can all make it hard to open your eyes.
For eye injuries:
- Don’t try to force your eye open, which could worsen the injury
- Seek emergency medical care to assess the extent of injury and treat appropriately
- Use pain medication as needed for pain relief
- Follow treatment instructions from your ophthalmologist, which may include antibiotics, steroids, or other eye drops
Allergic Reaction
Seasonal or environmental allergies can sometimes cause swelling of the eyelids and tissues around the eyes. This swelling can make it very difficult to open your eyes.
To find relief from allergic swelling:
- Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine, cetirizine, or loratadine
- Use allergy eye drops with antihistamines
- Apply cool compresses to reduce puffiness
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can worsen swelling
- Use nasal corticosteroid sprays or antihistamine nasal sprays to reduce overall allergy symptoms
Stye
A stye is a red, swollen bump on the edge of your eyelid caused by an infected eyelash follicle. The swelling and tenderness from a stye can prevent you from fully opening your eye.
To treat a stye:
- Apply warm compresses to promote drainage and healing
- Use antibiotic eye ointment on the stye if prescribed by your doctor
- Do not squeeze or rupture the stye
- Remove any eyelashes growing through the bump to prevent further irritation
- Styes often resolve on their own, but see your eye doctor if symptoms worsen or persist
Blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a condition where there is abnormal, involuntary twitching or spasming of the eyelid muscles. It can lead to forced closure of the eyelids, making it difficult or impossible to open your eyes.
Blepharospasm treatment options include:
- Botulinum toxin injections to paralyze the muscle spasms
- Medications like muscle relaxants or anticholinergics
- Eye pads or eyeglasses to block blinks and spasms
- Stress management and biofeedback
- Surgery as a last resort if other treatments are ineffective
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or irritation on the surface of the cornea, often caused by a foreign object or contact lens. The pain and inflammation make you want to keep your eyes shut tight.
For corneal abrasions:
- Don’t force your eyes open or rub them
- Use antibiotic and anesthetic eye drops as prescribed
- Wear an eye patch to protect your eye and prevent blinking
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Keep the eye lubricated with artificial tears
- Keep follow up appointments with your ophthalmologist to ensure proper healing
Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is facial paralysis or weakness on one side of the face due to damage to the facial nerve. It can cause drooping of the eyelid and an inability to open the eyes fully.
Bell’s palsy is treated with:
- Eye drops to lubricate the eyes and prevent corneal abrasion since blinking is impaired
- Eye patches or eyelid weights to help close the eye at night
- Medications like corticosteroids and antivirals in severe cases
- Physical therapy exercises for facial muscles
- Most cases resolve completely with time as the nerve regenerates
Conclusion
Difficulty opening your eyes is a common nuisance that is rarely serious, but can also sometimes indicate a more significant eye condition. Start with home treatments like warm compresses, eyelid massage and artificial tears. See an eye doctor promptly if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a few days to get an accurate diagnosis and specialized care for your eyes.