Good sleep is crucial to many aspects of your health, from your immune system to your muscles, but it still may come as a surprise that it can even impact your vision. If you've been having eye problems that you can't find the source of, it's possible that prioritizing rest will help restore your sight and comfort. Here are just a few common ways losing sleep affects your eyes.

3 Effects of Lack of Sleep on Your Eyes

1. Blurry Vision

When you sleep less than normal, the extra time awake can be extra straining on your eyes, which get more use than on an average day. Your eyes use a complex set of muscles to focus and function properly, and those muscles repair themselves and rest while you sleep. During busy periods and bouts of insomnia, your eyes work harder than normal and also have less time to recover, making it harder for to focus and leading to blurry vision. However, blurry vision can also result from more serious conditions, and if you have chronic blurry vision, you should consult with an eye doctor immediately. 

2. Dryness

When you sleep, and even just when you close your eyes, your body creates fluid that lubricates and moisturizes your eyes. Over the course of a day, this crucial moisture is slowly lost and your eyes dry out. If you don't get enough sleep, your eyes can't get properly moisturized, and you'll be more likely to experience dryness and discomfort. This is one of the earliest signs of a lack of sleep that most people get. 

3. Eye Spasms

The muscles inside your eyes aren't the only muscles that affect your vision. In fact, the muscles that move your eyes require a lot of energy for their fine, sensitive control. They're also some of the most active muscles in the body. Not giving yourself enough time to rest your eyes leads to fatigue of these muscles, which can cause eye spasms. While these don't usually cause any problems, many people find them obnoxious and hard to ignore.

If you're looking for an eye doctor in Anchorage, AK, reach out to Northern Lights Eye Care. These vision experts offer eye exams and care for all ages, and they have experience in all corners of optometry. Learn more about their services online, and call (907) 276-3937 to schedule an appointment.