On windy days, it’s easy enough for something to get into your eye. However, if you’re constantly feeling a grainy sensation or as if a pesky eyelash in your eye won’t come out, you likely have another, underlying condition.
Eye irritation or a scratchy sensation is a common experience that can have various causes, ranging from mild and temporary to more serious conditions. These include:
- Dry Eye
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Corneal Abrasions
- Corneal Ulcer
If you’re constantly blinking to find relief from irritation, it’s time for your eye doctor to take over.
What is a Foreign Body Sensation?
A foreign body and foreign body sensation are two distinct terms.
A foreign body refers to any irritant or debris that actually enters the eye. Think of small particles like dust or sand. Some people are more likely to have a foreign body enter their eye than others, for instance, those who play certain sports or who work in hazardous environments.
A foreign body sensation is different. This is a term that describes the feeling that something is in your eye when no foreign body is actually present. This sensation is distracting and unpleasant, making it hard to focus on anything but the irritation.
If you think something is in your eye, you can try flushing it out with preservative-free artificial tears. But whatever you do, resist the urge to rub your eye. This can worsen the irritation or scratch your cornea, leading to more complex issues.
What Could Be Irritating Your Eye?
If you’re blinking and using artificial tears to help wash debris, but the irritation still persists, the issue is likely a foreign body sensation. This can stem from several eye concerns, all of which benefit from a visit to your eye doctor.
Dry Eye
Dry eye is a chronic condition and one of the leading causes of a foreign body sensation. Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes undernourished and irritated.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
- Blurry vision
- A stinging or burning sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Redness and discomfort
Anyone can experience dry eye, but certain lifestyle choices including improper contact lens wear, and extensive screen time, as well as environmental factors (living in a dry, windy, or smoky place), can make existing symptoms feel worse. On top of that, dry eye can aggravate any existing eye concerns like blepharitis or conjunctivitis, contributing further to this sensation.
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to replenish your eyes.
Preservative-free artificial tears are a great option. These eye drops mimic natural tears, providing instant relief and moisture to your eyes. Lifestyle changes like creating a humid space, proper contact lens handling, staying hydrated, and following the 20-20-20 can help too.
If dryness and irritation persist despite your efforts, it might be time to try in-clinic dry eye therapies.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria, skin conditions like dandruff or rosacea, or clogged oil glands near the base of the eyelashes. Blepharitis often feels like there’s debris in your eyes, even though the edges of your eyelid are the real source of irritation.
Symptoms of blepharitis include:
- Red, swollen eyelids
- Burning or itching sensation
- Crusty buildup around the eyelashes
- Sensitivity to light
Maintaining eyelid hygiene is critical for managing blepharitis. Clean your eyelids daily with a gentle eyelid scrub or warm compress to loosen buildup. For more severe cases, we may prescribe medicated drops or ointment.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the white part of your eye). It’s often caused by viral or bacterial infections and can cause the feeling that something’s stuck in your eye.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:
- Redness and swelling
- Watery or thick discharge
- Itchy or gritty sensation
- Crusting on the eyelids
Treating conjunctivitis entirely depends on its type. Viral cases generally clear up on their own, though artificial tears can be soothing. Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, often requires antibiotic eye drops.
Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the surface of the cornea. This condition often results from foreign objects entering the eye (dust, sand, etc.), or through accidental trauma, such as rubbing the eye too hard or wearing damaged contact lenses.
Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including infection or long-term corneal damage. If you suspect a corneal abrasion, do not rub your eye. Visit your optometrist immediately to promote healing.
Corneal Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are open sores on the cornea that can cause intense discomfort, sensitivity to light, and the sensation of debris in the eye. They’re often caused by:
- Eye infections
- Lengthy contact lens wear
- Eye injuries or scratches that become infected
This is a serious, relatively painful condition that requires an immediate visit to your optometrist to prevent further complications, including permanent vision loss.
Feel Comfortable Again
A persistent, grainy sensation in your eye is understandably frustrating and concerning. If you don’t find an errant eyelash or other irritant, the cause could very well be a foreign body sensation.
Stay calm and continue washing your eye with artificial tears until you can visit your eye doctor. Whatever you do, don’t rub the affected eye. Doing so can make an otherwise moderate concern more serious.
Our team at Total Vision Riverside Optometry is here to support your eye health and keep you comfortable. Once we address the underlying cause of your foreign body sensation, be it dry eye or corneal abrasion, we can help you find relief that lasts. Keep your eyes happy and healthy by booking an appointment today.
