Is Wearing An Eye Mask While Sleeping Beneficial?

Posted on Sun, 5 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 5 Jan 2014 Answered on

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hi is wearing an eye mask at nights while sleeping beneficial for the eyes?

Answered by Dr. N K Mishra (3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Aids in sound sleep. Detailed Answer: Welcome to XXXXXXX XXXX, Eye masks are made of thick fabric which create a state of darkness in light conditions. By blocking out light and creating a state of darkness it helps in release of a substance called Melatonin which aids in sound sleep. That is the only benefit of eye masks. They have no effect on a persons vision, though it may indirectly help in alleviating headche due to lack of sleep. Please do get back to us if you have any further query. Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. N K Mishra (27 hours later)

so I take it that you don't recommend that I wear one if I'm sleeping at nights in a room with the lights of and there isn't no or very little sound around me. I've been wearing an eyemask at nights for 2 or 3 days and I think it irritates my eyes.

Answered by Dr. N K Mishra (49 minutes later)

My dear, thanks for getting back to us. routinelywe do not need a eye mask in normal circumstances,in a dark room.They are for special occasions,like a flight where you do not have much of control on external parameters. do get back to us in case of any further query in this regard.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar