The gritty, irritating feeling of something being stuck in your eye is a common one. You might check the mirror and find a stray eyelash, but other times, there’s nothing there at all. This feeling, known as a foreign body sensation, can be caused by several issues, including dry eye, inflammation, a tiny scratch, or an actual foreign object lodged on the surface.
Your optometrist can check out your eyes to determine the particular cause of your discomfort.
Common Causes for That Gritty Sensation
Often, the feeling that something’s in your eye happens even when there’s nothing there. Here are a few common causes of such situations.
Dry Eye
When your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or the right quality of tears—they can get dry and irritated. This condition, known as dry eye disease, can make it feel like you have sand in your eye. Other symptoms of dry eye include:
- Stinging or burning
- Stringy mucus
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes—your body’s response to the irritation
- Blurred vision
Blepharitis
This condition involves inflammation along your eyelids. It can cause crusty debris at the base of your eyelashes. This buildup can create a constant feeling of irritation. Symptoms include:
- Itchy eyelids
- Red & swollen eyelids
- Flaking skin around the eyes
- Crusted eyelashes when you wake up
Conjunctivitis & Other Infections
Commonly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye. Infections can cause significant discomfort and a gritty feeling.
Symptoms include:
- Redness or pink tone in the white of the eye
- Gritty feeling
- Discharge that can form a crust
- Itching or burning
Corneal Abrasion or Scratch
A tiny scratch on the cornea—the clear front dome of your eye—can also cause a foreign body sensation. If you suspect an injury of this type, it’s important to seek emergency eye care promptly.
Symptoms of corneal abrasion include:
- A lot of discomfort or pain
- The feeling that something is stuck in your eye
- Redness
- Tearing
- Sensitivity to light
What If Something Is Actually in Your Eye?
Sometimes, this feeling is caused by exactly what you think it is—a foreign object. From dust to small insects, various objects can get stuck in your eye. Knowing how to respond can prevent further injury.
Types of Foreign Objects
Small particles are the usual suspects. Common examples include:
- Eyelashes
- Dust or sand
- Dirt
- Sawdust
- Makeup particles
How to Remove a Foreign Object
Your first instinct is likely to rub your eye, but that can make things worse. Stay calm, and follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eye area.
- Try to blink several times to let your tears wash it out.
- Use a sterile saline solution or artificial tears to flush your eye.
If you can’t remove the object this way, visit your eye doctor immediately.
What Not to Do
Rubbing Your Eyes
Do not rub your eyes to remove a foreign object. Not only can rubbing scratch your cornea, but it can also increase inflammation and make the gritty feeling even worse.
Tweezers or Other Tools
Never try to remove something from your eye with tweezers, cotton swabs, or your fingers. These tools are not sterile and can easily damage the delicate surface of your eye. It’s not worth the risk.
Signs You Need a Professional Eye Exam
While many minor irritations resolve on their own, some symptoms require an eye exam. Ignoring issues with your eyes can lead to more complex problems down the road.
Symptoms That Need Attention
If you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to have your eyes checked. If you need an eye doctor in Etobicoke or Mississauga, our team at Sage Eyecare can help determine the source of your discomfort:
- The feeling persists for more than a day
- You have eye pain or blurred vision
- You see flashes of light or new floaters
- There is a visible cut or sore on your eye
- You cannot get a known object out of your eye
Why a Proper Diagnosis Matters
Self-diagnosing can be tricky—dry eye, an infection, and an abrasion can all feel similar. An eye doctor can properly identify the cause and suggest the right course of action. Unlike a simple sight test, a comprehensive exam evaluates your overall eye health to protect your vision for the future.
How Your Eye Doctor Can Help
Your optometrist has the right tools and knowledge to get to the bottom of your eye discomfort safely and effectively. A comprehensive exam can provide both relief and peace of mind.
A Thorough Eye Health Check
We can look at your eye’s surface under high magnification and identify foreign bodies, scratches, or signs of infection that you can’t see on your own.
Personalized Treatment Options
Based on your eye exam, your eye doctor will recommend a clear path forward tailored to your symptoms and eye health. Treatment options may include:
- Safe removal of a foreign object
- Non-medicated or medicated eye drops to address irritation, infection, or inflammation
- Specialized lid wipes and hypochlorous sprays to support eyelid hygiene and reduce bacteria
- Advanced therapies such as IPL or RF for dry eye management
- Follow-up care to ensure a scratch or irritation is healing properly
Sage Eyecare also carries a curated selection of professional-grade dry eye products, making it easier to continue treatment and relief at home with guidance from your care team.
Don’t let eye discomfort disrupt your day. At Sage Eyecare, we blend timeless knowledge with modern techniques to support your ocular health. If flushing your eye hasn’t helped, the sensation won’t go away, or you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, book an appointment to get answers and lasting relief.
