Tired eyes and sleepless nights: How insomnia secretly damages the cornea

Insomnia doesn't just drain your energy, it can also leave your eyes tired, dry and even cause painful corneal problems.(Image: Pexels)

Good sleep is as vital for the eyes as it is for the mind. If you keep yourself awake in the night and  often notice puffiness or redness after a sleepless night, know that inadequate rest can actually damage the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye, sometimes leading to lasting, painful conditions.

According to Dr Hasanain Shikari, Ophthalmologist and Retina Specialist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, the surface of the eye heals and renews itself most effectively when we are asleep. He explains, “During deep rest, the cornea is nourished and coated by a stable tear film. With inadequate sleep, this protective moisture breaks down, leaving eyes dry, sensitive to light, and gritty, as though sand were trapped beneath the lids. What begins as mild irritation can, over time, compromise the cornea’s ability to repair itself.

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Dry eye and contact lens struggles

People sleeping less than six hours regularly complain of persistent dryness, redness, or an inability to wear contact lenses comfortably. The lens, already demanding steady lubrication, becomes unbearable against a parched cornea. For office workers toggling between late-night screens and early commutes, this double burden only worsens the daily strain on their eyes.

Recurrent corneal erosions

Chronic sleep deprivation does not stop at discomfort. It may trigger recurrent corneal erosions, episodes where the fragile surface layer of the cornea suddenly sloughs off, often during sleep or on waking. “Patients describe it as a stabbing pain,” says Dr Shikari. These erosions can blur vision, require prolonged treatment, and in some cases, even surgical intervention.

Slower healing after eye procedures

Whether after LASIK, a corneal scratch, or even routine cataract surgery, healing is markedly slower in those deprived of rest. Doctors point out that no medication can truly substitute for the natural repair mechanisms activated during deep, restorative sleep.

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Systemic effects that reach the eyes

Poor sleep can also unsettle the body in many other ways. It fuels inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and oxidative stress. These further impact your eye health. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, often present with floppy highlight syndrome and recurrent eye irritation. It shows how closely tied sleep quality is to corneal health.

Lifestyle habits that make it worse

Many times, it is your habits that are a part of the problem. Midnight scrolling deprives you of rest, reducing blinking leads to evaporative dry eyes, while late night coffee drains hydration further. All of these result in eyes that are fatigued and lack moisture.

Preventive steps

Maintaining healthier eyes is as simple as getting a 7 to 8 hours of sleep, keeping yourself hydrated, reducing late night screen use, and, when needed, lubricating your eyes with eyedrops. “Persistent morning pain or recurrent erosion should never be ignored,” warns Dr Shikari, adding, “With timely care, ranging from specialised ointments to protective lenses, you can prevent long-term damage,”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.