Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is lifesaving for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but it can sometimes cause eye irritation and dry eye symptoms — especially when the mask leaks air toward the eyes or when sleep position shifts the mask during the night. If you wake with gritty, red, or irritated eyes, your CPAP mask may be a factor. Mayo Clinic+1
Why CPAP can lead to dry eyes
- Mask air leaks: Poorly fitting masks or leaks (especially around the nose bridge) can blow air onto the ocular surface overnight, increasing tear evaporation and causing evaporative dry eye. Mayo Clinic+1
- Sleep position and mask displacement: Changing positions in sleep can move the mask, increasing intermittent leaks and eye exposure. Clinical studies link mask displacement to worse morning ocular irritation. PMC+1
- Underlying sleep apnea effects: OSA itself is associated with ocular surface changes and dry eye disease (DED) risk; the interaction of OSA, CPAP therapy, and eye health is an active research area. PMC+1
Common symptoms to watch for
- Morning eye dryness, grittiness, or burning
- Red or watery eyes on awakening
- Blurry vision that improves with blinking or artificial tears
- Increased light sensitivity or eyelid stickiness after sleep
If you notice these regularly after CPAP use, bring it to your eye doctor’s attention. Healthline
How eye doctors diagnose CPAP-related dry eye
At your exam we’ll:
- Take a history (sleep apnea, mask type, sleep position, humidification settings).
- Test the tear film and lid/meibomian gland function (tear breakup time, staining, meibography when indicated).
- Rule out other causes (medications, systemic disease).
Evidence-based guidelines for dry eye assessment guide the exam and management plan. AAO Journal+1
Practical solutions & treatments
- Fit and adjust the mask: Work with your CPAP supplier to try different mask styles (nasal, nasal pillows, full-face) or sizes — many patients benefit from switching style or sizing to stop air from hitting the eyes. Mayo Clinic+1
- Add humidification: Heated humidifiers (in-line with CPAP) reduce dryness of air and the ocular surface. Mayo Clinic Forms
- Nightly ocular lubricants: Non-preserved artificial tears or a gel/ointment applied before bed can protect the ocular surface overnight. Your eye doctor can recommend the proper formulation. American Academy of Ophthalmology+1
- Mask liners and seal products: Soft mask liners reduce leaks and skin irritation; silicone or fabric liners can also redirect escaping air. SleepWise Clinic
- Address meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): If evaporative dry eye due to MGD is present, in-office treatments (warm compresses, gland expression, IPL or thermal therapy where appropriate) and at-home lid hygiene can help. PMC+1
Important: Do not stop CPAP therapy without talking to your sleep physician. The health benefits of CPAP for OSA usually outweigh the discomfort of dry eyes; instead, address the mask fit and ocular treatments. Healthline+1
When to see Advanced Optometry of Westlake Village
If you use CPAP and experience recurring morning eye irritation, redness, or chronic dryness, schedule a dry eye exam so we can identify the cause and create a treatment plan tailored for you. We’ll coordinate care with your sleep physician and CPAP supplier when needed.
Advanced Optometry — Westlake Village
1014 S. Westlake Blvd. #10, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Phone: (805) 379-1555. Book online: https://scheduleyourexam.com/v3/index.php/8577/ . Advanced Optometry+1
Reliable sources & further reading
- Recent clinical study showing mask-related worsening of tear film stability and meibomian gland function. PMC
- Review on OSA and ocular surface disease (impact of OSA and CPAP). PMC
- Practical CPAP tips from the Mayo Clinic (mask fit, leaks, humidification). Mayo Clinic
- Patient-facing guidance on treating CPAP-related dry eye from Healthline and Medical News Today. Healthline+1
- AAO guidance on treating dry eye symptoms and topical lubricants. American Academy of Ophthalmology+1
