When i wake up in the morning, my eyelids strain to open. once opened, i am fine all day. what could this be? would i see an eye doctor or medical dr?

I would vote: For an eye doctor, afterall it is an eye. Don't think you could go wrong there.

Morning stickiness: Your description sounds like morning eye crusting and stickiness which is most often due to ocular surface disease (such as dry eye, blepharitis, etc). Performing warm compresses and using artificial tears prior to bedtime will likely help. If this does not get better, you should see an eye doctor.