u/rheuzi

Recently, I have started researching whether there is a relationship between dry eyes and side sleeping. I have suffered from corneal erosions for quite some time, and I have had a suspicion that the issue is due partially to side sleeping, since I only ever have one erosion at a time. Usually, it's associated with the side I'm sleeping on.

Anyway, here is a notable study that discusses this relationship:

https://www.eyeworld.org/2018/how-sleep-position-may-affect-dry-eye/

The authors hypothesized that patients who slept on their faces or sides mechanically clog the oil glands in their eyelids, leading to chronic inflammation and worsening dry eye signs and symptoms. Another plausible theory is that side sleepers may experience improper tear drainage or that pressing an eye against a pillow compresses the meibomian glands, altering tear composition.

Currently, I am testing a new pair of moisture goggles to sleep with. The idea is that if I sleep on my side and distribute the pressure "around" my eye rather than on it, perhaps that will improve my symptoms. It is too early to determine whether it is helping. The main "feature" of my goggles is that the lens is hard plastic, not silicone. An issue with silicon-based goggles, like those from Eyeeco, is that if you sleep on your side, the silicon "bends" and actually pushes on your eye.

I am not necessarily recommending these goggles, but I am providing a link so folks understand what I am talking about. Thus far, despite limited testing, the goggles do seem to work well enough; when I wake up, the area around my eyes is indeed quite moist.

I hope this information helps someone out there. I am certain that this study must have been shared on this subbreddit in the past, but hopefully its new to a few. Good luck!