Dry Eyes and CPAP

Have you been waking up with dry, irritated eyes since starting your CPAP therapy? 

You're not alone. Today, I’m going to explore three common reasons why your CPAP might be causing dry eyes and what you can do about it.

Reason 1: Mask Leakage

The first and most common cause is mask leakage. If your CPAP mask doesn't fit properly, air can escape and blow into your eyes, leading to dryness and discomfort.

To fix this, make sure your mask fits snugly but comfortably. You might need to try different masks or adjust the straps for a better seal. Consider using mask liners or a nasal pad (such as the Gecko) to reduce leaks and enhance comfort.

Reason 2: Vented Airflow

Sometimes, the vented air coming out of the CPAP mask blows up the cheeks and directly on the eyes. This can be very annoying.

Try adjusting the mask so that the angle of the vented air blows away from the eyes. There are also some masks that have these holes around in a circle (such as the Evora nasal mask), which diffuses the air blowing up towards your eye. Other times, just angling the mask differently can prevent air from blowing directly on your face, and that’s the only adjustment you need.

Reason 3: Airflow through Tear Ducts

Lastly, is it's possible that air is blowing from inside your nose through your tear ducts into your eyes. There is a connection between your eyes and your nose - this is why we get the sniffles when we cry. And while this is less common cause of dry eyes, it can be quite annoying and difficult to treat. One thing you can do is talk to your provider about lowering the pressure in your mask. Alternatively, trying a different mask that blows air at a different angle might help alleviate the issue.

If you're experiencing dry eyes, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and solutions.

Thanks for being here, I’ll see you next week.