You blink, you rub your eye, and you squint, but the feeling that something’s stuck in your eye just won’t go away. This is a common experience that can range from slight irritation to a lot of discomfort.
The feeling of something being stuck in your eye can stem from a simple stray eyelash, a scratch on your eye’s surface, or a common condition like dry eye. A comprehensive eye exam with our team at Queensway Optometric Centre is the first step toward understanding the cause of your discomfort and feeling comfortable again.
Common Causes for That Foreign Body Sensation
In many cases, the feeling of having something in your eye is caused by a small foreign object. Sometimes, however, that feeling is a signal of an underlying condition that needs a closer look. Let’s explore a few common causes.
A Stray Eyelash or Debris
Often, the culprit is exactly what you think it is—a tiny particle like an eyelash, a bit of dust, or a speck of makeup. These little intruders can find their way onto the surface of your eye and cause a lot of irritation until they’re flushed out.
Dry Eye Syndrome
If your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated, you may have dry eye syndrome. This condition often feels like there’s sand or grit in your eye.
A Scratched Cornea
A tiny scratch on your cornea—the clear, protective outer layer of your eye—can make it feel like something’s stuck under your eyelid. This sensation can last long after the object that caused the scratch is gone. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent feeling that sand or grit is in your eye
- Watery eyes and redness
- Pain, especially when you open or close your eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
Blepharitis or a Stye
Inflammation of the eyelids, a condition known as blepharitis, can make your eyes feel sore and gritty. A stye, which is a small, tender bump on the eyelid, can also create friction and the feeling that something is in your eye.
Find Relief for Your Discomfort
If you suspect that your discomfort is caused by debris, there are a few safe steps you can take at home to try to flush it out. Remember to be gentle with your eyes!
Safe At-Home First Steps
Start by using artificial tears to try to wash out the foreign object. You can also gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid to let your lashes sweep the object away. Blinking several times can also help your natural tears flush it out.
What Not to Do
Avoid rubbing your eye, as doing so can press debris against your cornea. This could scratch your eye or make an existing scratch worse. Also, avoid using tweezers or any other tools to try to remove objects from your eye. Following proper first aid steps for eye injuries can help you avoid making the situation worse.
When Your Discomfort Is an Eye Emergency
While often not serious, a gritty feeling in your eye can sometimes be a sign of an issue that requires prompt attention. Visit a health care professional immediately if you experience one or more of the following:
- The feeling doesn’t go away after you flush your eye
- You experience intense pain, blurry vision, or unusual light sensitivity
- You see blood or pus coming from your eye
- You know something sharp, such as metal or glass, entered your eye
Dry Eye & That Constant Gritty Sensation
If the feeling of something in your eye is a regular occurrence and isn’t caused by a foreign object, you might be dealing with dry eye.
Why Dry Eyes Feel Like This
If your tear film isn’t healthy, the surface of your eye can become dry and irritated. Blinking can be uncomfortable, and you may experience a persistent gritty or sandy feeling. Your vision might also seem to fluctuate throughout the day.
How an Optometrist in Mississauga Can Help
A proper diagnosis is the first step to relief. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist in Mississauga can determine if dry eye is the cause of your discomfort. From there, our team at Queensway Optometric Centre can recommend a personalized plan to help manage your symptoms and bring you comfort. Book an appointment today and get the care that your eyes deserve.
