Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Eye Care  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Nighttime Eye Pain
Answered by
Michael J Kutryb, MD - Ophthalmology, Cataract Surgery, glaucoma, Laser Vision Correct
Kutryb Eye Institute - Titusville
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Nighttime Eye Pain

by Melanie2007, Oct 15, 2007 11:23AM
Every night I am woken up multiple times by pains in my eyes...sometimes just one, sometime both. It almost feels like there are rocks or something in my eyes. I used to just put a warm cloth on my eyes and lay down until it stopped. It is much worse and more frequent now. The cloths don't work and i usually end up pacing around because the pain is so bad - laying down just makes it worse. Each "episode" usually lasts for about an hour and the next day my eyes are all red, sore and usually extremely sensitive to light. I have an upcoming appointment with my Opthalmologist, but when I was last there he basically told me it was nothing. Does anyone have any ideas about what this could possibly be and what I might look into?

by Michael J Kutryb, MD, Oct 15, 2007 01:58PM
Sounds like it could be severe dry eyes.  Could be worsened by age past menopause, antihistamines, decongestants, bladder medications, anxiety meds, pain meds, sleep meds, diuretics, sleeping with ceiling fan on, reading or using computer a lot.  There are certainly other possible causes, and you need a complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist.  Make an appointment right away.  In the meantime try preservative free artificial tears every hour and a lubricating ointment like Refresh PM at bedtime.  I cannot offer you any more advice because I don't know the specifics or your situation.  My best advice is the see an ophthalmologist right away and mention all the symptoms you just wrote.
MJK MD
Continue discussion
Expert Activity
Early Diagnosis of Peripheral Arter... 
Aug 31 by Lee Kirksey, MD
5 Steps to Medical Debt
Aug 30 by Adam R. Tanase, D.C.
Coronary Artery Disease - Risk fact... updated
Aug 26 by Cleveland Clinic
Related Communities