32M – Sudden severe pain in my right eye during sleep that disappears after 30 minutes. What could this be?

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to see an ophthalmologist, but I'd like to hear if anyone has experienced something similar.

Over the past few months, this has happened 2–3 times, always while I'm asleep.

I suddenly wake up with severe pain in my right eye. The eye starts watering heavily and becomes red. The pain is very intense for about 30 minutes, then gradually improves. If I go back to sleep, I wake up feeling almost completely normal, as if nothing happened.

Here are some additional details:

* Only my right eye is affected.

* The pain occurs only during sleep.

* My vision remains normal during the episode.

* I do not have light sensitivity.

* The eye becomes red and tears a lot.

* No nausea or vomiting.

* I do not have diabetes or any other known medical conditions.

* I had a routine eye examination 2 months ago. My vision was normal except for a -0.25 prescription for distance, so I only wear my glasses when needed and not at home.

I use a mobile phone and laptop for around 9–10 hours daily.

I don't wear contact lenses.

From what I've been reading, I was wondering if this could be recurrent corneal erosion, nocturnal dry eye, or something else.

Has anyone had similar symptoms or have any idea what this pattern might suggest? I understand Reddit can't diagnose medical conditions, and I will be seeing an ophthalmologist, but I'd appreciate any insights or suggestions about what I should discuss during my appointment.

Thank you!