OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

What Causes My Right Eye to Leak When I Wake Up?

8/29/2025, 4:07:02 PMMale25-34

Occasionally, I find myself waking up with my right eye noticeably red and producing enough tears that my vision is impaired. This issue, which occurs sporadically throughout the year, isn’t accompanied by any pain and typically resolves within a day. Initially, I thought it might be some form of infection, but I’m puzzled because it only impacts one eye. If it were an infection, wouldn't both eyes be affected? Also, why does it clear up so quickly?

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

8/29/2025, 4:07:22 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds concerning to wake up with your right eye red and watery, but it's reassuring that it typically resolves within a day without pain. Based on your description, this could be caused by several factors, including allergies, dryness, or even a mild form of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye). Here’s a breakdown of possible causes and the next steps to consider:

Possible Causes:

  1. Allergies: Dust, pollen, or pet dander can irritate one eye and cause redness and tearing. This is especially common if you have allergies or if there's been a change in your environment.
  2. Dry Eye: Sometimes, not producing enough tears can lead to irritation. When your eyes are dry overnight, the tear film might refresh itself in the morning, causing temporary tearing.
  3. Foreign Body or Irritant: If something got into your eye, it may cause irritation. This could lead to tearing as a protective response.
  4. Mild Conjunctivitis: While common conjunctivitis often affects both eyes, it can start in one and may resolve quickly, especially if it’s viral or allergenic rather than bacterial.

Next Steps:

  1. Observe Symptoms: Keep track of when the redness and tearing occur. Note if it happens after certain activities (like being outdoors) or exposure to potential allergens.
  2. Avoid Irritants: Make sure to keep your sleeping environment clean. Consider using an air purifier and avoiding pets in your bedroom if allergies are suspected.
  3. Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help if you feel dryness is the issue. Use them to see if it reduces the symptoms.
  4. Cold Compress: Applying a clean, cold compress for a few minutes in the morning may help soothe the eye and reduce redness.
  5. Limit Eye Rubbing: Try to avoid touching or rubbing your eye, as this can make the irritation worse.

If your symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by further issues (like pain, vision changes, or prolonged redness), it would be prudent to seek further evaluation to rule out other conditions. Keep me updated on your observations; I’m here to help!

Related Questions

13 Weeks After Surgery: LIS, Fissurectomy, and Hemorrhoid Ablation — Ongoing Bleeding and Pain despite Treatment

**Patient Information:** - **Age/Gender:** 25, Male - **Location:** Rural Wales, UK (formerly France) - **Height/Weight:** 195 cm / approximately 110 kg - **Lifestyle:** Non-smoker, abstains from alcohol - **Medical History:** Struggling with a chronic anal fissure for over a year, chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), and hemorrhoids - **Current Medications:** Laxido (twice daily), GTN 0.4% ointment (Rectogesic), fiber supplement --- **Surgery Timeline:** - **June 13, 2025 (France):** Underwent a combined anorectal surgery consisting of: - Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy (LIS) - Fissurectomy - Radiofrequency Hemorrhoid Ablation (RFA) - **Weeks 5–6:** Planned for a post-operative appointment in France; however, a work-related move to Wales caused a change in plans. - **Week 10:** Following an increase in physical exertion and a lapse in diet, experienced significant complications including renewed bleeding and discomfort post-bowel movement. - **Week 10.5:** Reached out to the general practitioner (GP) for GTN 0.4% ointment, applying it twice a day thereafter. - **Weeks 11–12:** Noteworthy improvement observed — the cycle of pain and muscle spasms ceased, and bleeding became sporadic (occurring approximately once weekly); mild discomfort continued. - **Week 13 (Current):** Experiencing persistent bleeding that lasts over a day along with a new stinging sensation upon applying GTN, despite maintaining consistent bowel habits and no notable physical strain. Continues with Laxido and a fiber-rich diet. --- **Current Symptoms (Week 13):** - Brief episodes of bright red spotting both after bowel movements and randomly throughout the day - Absence of the pain-spasm cycle or severe burning; only a dull ache and increased sensitivity of tissue, in addition to the new stinging from the ointment - Bleeding recurs approximately every 7–10 days, with no identifiable dietary or physical triggers - No signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, discharge, or any systemic signs --- **Care Accessibility Challenges:** Residing in a rural area of Western Wales limits access to colorectal specialists. Currently registered with a GP and have been referred for pelvic floor physical therapy due to CPPS, but waiting times extend beyond 4 to 6 months. Planning to move to Cardiff in mid-September to seek specialized follow-up care, potentially including private options. --- **Key Questions:** 1. Could the GTN ointment be a factor in the ongoing bleeding or irritation of mucosal tissue at this stage? 2. Would it be advisable to transition to diltiazem or nifedipine ointment given the stinging sensation and persistent spotting? 3. Should there be concern about potential mucosal ulcers, granulation tissue complications, or issues with the fissurectomy site? 4. Is it prudent to pause the use of GTN temporarily (for 24 to 48 hours) to evaluate if irritation decreases, or could this trigger a return of increased sphincter tone? 5. Should I request imaging like anoscopy now, or wait until after my move? --- I welcome any guidance as I navigate these issues. I strive to remain steady in my recovery, but the uncertainty surrounding the lack of follow-ups and the continuous bleeding prompts me to question whether I am within a typical recovery timeframe or if further intervention is needed.

DiabetesCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology
Male25-34
5 minutes ago

Unexplained Bruises on My Legs

Hello everyone, I've noticed that I frequently develop bruises exclusively on my legs without any recollection of how they occur. These bruises are not accompanied by any pain. While I typically get occasional small bruises, I've experienced a couple of larger ones recently. What might be the cause of this? As a mother of two young children, I’m wondering if this is linked to the iron deficiency I had during my last pregnancy, which was about 15 months ago. For some context, I’m a 28-year-old female, I don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or take any medications, and I don’t have any known health issues.

LupusCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology
Male25-34
11 minutes ago

Experiencing Dark Loose Stools on Amoxicillin?

Age 29, currently taking Ivabradine at a dosage of 5mg, Mirtazapine at 15mg, and following a seven-day treatment with Amoxicillin at 875mg due to a sinus infection. The use of amoxicillin is really disrupting my gastrointestinal system; I’ve been dealing with nausea and acid reflux, which are typical for me when taking this antibiotic. However, this time I’m also experiencing loose stools, and I noticed that my stool was particularly dark this morning, approaching a nearly black shade. My doctor suggested that it’s probably not related to the amoxicillin and advised me to keep an eye on it in case it continues. My communication was through the office staff, and I had additional inquiries that weren't addressed. I’m wondering if this could simply be a temporary issue. Might my poor appetite, which means I’m taking my medication without sufficient food, contribute to this problem? Also, what steps can I take to alleviate the gastrointestinal discomfort while I finish my remaining doses? I’m set to take my final amoxicillin pill on Tuesday morning. My health anxiety tends to make me think about the worst possible scenarios, especially since I was recently in the emergency room for my sinus infection, and I cannot afford another visit shortly after that.

Crohn's DiseaseThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
44 minutes ago

(27M) Is My Strep Throat Getting Worse Despite Antibiotics? Seeking Guidance

UPDATE: This morning, I noticed a significant reduction in the white spots on my affected tonsil, which I hope indicates improvement. However, my throat continues to hurt at a similar level. I just completed my sixth dose of amoxicillin and today I’m feeling somewhat chilly and clammy. Overall, the sore throat appears to be showing slight signs of progress. Once again, it seems to feel better during the day. There’s no fever, my blood pressure appears normal, and my blood oxygen saturation is within the usual range. I began experiencing a sore throat on Tuesday morning and by that evening around 6 PM, I tested positive for strep throat. I started my antibiotics that same night. So far, I have taken five 500mg doses of amoxicillin. I’m nearing the end of my second day on the medication and heading into the third. Curiously, my throat pain seems to have increased since yesterday and the very first day, which makes me wonder if I am overreacting. I’m just trying to determine if another visit to the doctor is necessary. Additionally, I am taking 400mg of ibuprofen every six hours to help manage the pain.

ArthritisInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Cystoscopy Experience: A Reflection on Pain and Procedure

I decided to share my experience anonymously, as it’s a bit embarrassing... I’m a 30-year-old woman, approximately 5'5" tall and weighing around 165 pounds, with a Caucasian background. My current medication includes 10 mg of Escitalopram daily for depression, and I use Nuvaring for contraception. I consume alcohol about twice a week, do not smoke, and don’t use any drugs. I reside in Canada. For roughly four months, I have faced significant issues with urinary incontinence and encountered lower abdominal discomfort during my menstrual cycle, especially after removing my Nuvaring. Despite being on the Nuvaring for many years, these symptoms have persisted. After normal lab results, I was referred to a urogynecologist for evaluation. The exam did not reveal any issues, but I was advised to undergo a specialized ultrasound (which is pending) and a cystoscopy. Recently, I received a call to schedule my cystoscopy. The nurse assured me that no special preparations were necessary; she described the procedure as a quick 30-minute appointment where I would be able to return to work immediately afterward. I was anxious at first, but that reassurance made me feel somewhat better about the upcoming procedure. However, my expectations were misguided. On the day of the cystoscopy, the process unfolded as follows: - I was provided with a hospital gown and asked to remove my lower garments. The nurse informed me that it would be a fast procedure, applying a numbing gel to the area. She mentioned some potential discomfort, burning sensations, or mild bleeding was expected for the day, recommending that I stay hydrated. - I was taken to a procedure room and met the urogynecologist, his fellow, a resident, the previously mentioned nurse, and another assistant. - Lying on the table with my legs in stirrups, I felt exposed as the assistant began cleaning the area and applying the numbing gel before covering me with a drape. - The procedure commenced shortly after, and I immediately experienced severe pain. The resident struggled to locate the urethral opening and required guidance from the fellow and the attending physician. - Once the scope was correctly inserted, the pain escalated to a point I can only describe as unbearable. The attending doctor repeatedly inquired if the resident detected any resistance and whether she was irrigating, after which I experienced a sudden influx of fluid. It felt as though the scope was being manipulated aggressively. - Overwhelmed by the excruciating pain, I found myself crying and expressing the intensity of my discomfort to the team, but the resident continued making adjustments, producing sensations akin to being stabbed. I struggled to breathe. One doctor simplistically mentioned that it would soon improve once they accessed the bladder but, aside from that, exchanged little communication with me. Meanwhile, the nurse attempted to provide some comfort. - The next phase involved filling and emptying the bladder, yet the pain remained a distressing 9 out of 10. I continued to cry, gasping for breath, and felt nauseated. - After about ten minutes, the procedure concluded, and the doctor expressed regret that nothing conclusive was identified. He suggested that I could either manage the situation or reach out for a pelvic floor therapist's contact. I was still in tears as he spoke, yet no one on the medical team recognized or acknowledged my emotional state. - I was then instructed to change and go home without any follow-up or pain management support. This experience has left me feeling deeply traumatized. The pain I encountered was the most intense I have ever felt, eclipsing previous injuries and surgeries. The experience felt inhumane. I observed two others leave the procedure room before me, neither appearing to be in distress (though I did not have a clear view). I spent the remainder of the day dealing with pain rated at 8 out of 10 — spiking to 9 while urinating — shifting between Advil and Tylenol for relief. I also experienced bleeding, as noted by the nurse, which persists three days later. I have several questions: - Was my experience typical? Did something go awry, or am I simply more sensitive than others? - Is numbing gel effective, and does its onset require more time than just a minute? - Should the medical team have offered to either halt the procedure, provide pain relief, or at least check in with me after it concluded? As someone who works in the healthcare sector, I would never allow a patient to endure what I did. It was unsettling that a room full of medical professionals disregarded my pain during such a vulnerable procedure. I am considering writing to the hospital to share my experience in hopes of preventing others from going through a similar ordeal. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Crohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago