Posted by Eric Hewitt on March 17, 2000 at 00:28:22:

Hey folks -

I saw a letter about sleeping with the eyes open in the archive, but no response. Thought I would ask the question myself, as I have the same problem. Here's the background:

I have slept with my eyes open for quite some time, but did not have problems with it until an episode of Blepharitis about 5 years ago. The eye doctor prescribed Blephamide, which cleared the Blepharitis, but I was left with very read, dry, irritated eyes.

Since then I have been to 3 doctors. All diagnose dry eye, but also state that I am too young to have dry eye (I'm 27). They don't seem to know any reason the Belpharitis would have exagerated the condition, but they all note that the dryness is in a upside down half moon shape--that is caused by sleeping with the eyes open!

I have tried Refresh PM drops, face masks, etc. I currently use tape when the humidity is low. But, this causes blurred vision the next day(caused by pressure on the cornea, I assume).

I am most concerned about long term problems, as I have been noticing a slight fogginess at night when looking at bright lights. The doctors assure me that there is not a long term problem with this, but I'm still concerned.

I have often thought about some form of hypnosis with post-hypnotic suggestion to try to get the brain to keep the eyes shut. I haven't researched this more as of yet.

Does anyone else have any helpful ideas??

Eric

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