It’s a frustrating, distracting, and sometimes uncomfortable feeling—like something is stuck in your eye, but no matter how much you blink or rinse, the discomfort won’t go away. So, why does it feel like something is in your eye? One of the most common culprits is dry eye disease—a chronic condition where your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the surface properly lubricated.
While dry eye is often to blame, that gritty, scratchy feeling can also stem from other issues like allergies, corneal abrasions, or inflammation. Knowing the difference can help you get the right treatment and protect your long-term eye health.
What Does It Mean When It Feels Like Something Is in Your Eye?
This sensation—sometimes described as a grain of sand or a loose eyelash—can happen suddenly or build gradually over time. Often, it comes with symptoms like:
- Redness
- Watering or tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- A persistent urge to blink or rub your eyes
While you might assume something physical is lodged in your eye, in many cases, it’s not a foreign object but rather a sign of a deeper issue, most commonly, dry eye disease.
Could It Be Dry Eye?
Dry eye disease is incredibly common, especially in Alberta’s dry climate. It happens when your tears evaporate too quickly or when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye moist and comfortable. This lack of proper lubrication can lead to a scratchy or gritty sensation that mimics the feeling of something being stuck in your eye.
Other dry eye symptoms can include:
- Burning or stinging
- Sensitivity to wind or smoke
- Red, irritated eyes
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Dry eye can be triggered by many factors, including screen time, age, medications, contact lens use, and medical conditions like rosacea or autoimmune disease. Thankfully, dry eye is manageable with the right care. Treatment options include:
- Preservative-free artificial tears
- Prescription eye drops
- Punctal plugs to retain natural tears
- In-office treatments to unclog blocked tear glands
If you experience ongoing discomfort, our team can evaluate your tear film and recommend a tailored dry eye management plan.
What Else Could Cause This Sensation?
Although dry eye is a major player, several other conditions can cause your eye to feel like there’s something in it:
Foreign Body
Sometimes, the issue really is a tiny object—like dust, sand, or a stray eyelash. If rinsing your eye doesn’t help or the feeling persists, it’s important to have your eye examined. Leaving debris in the eye can cause infection or a corneal abrasion.
Corneal Abrasions
A scratch on the clear surface of your eye (the cornea) can cause intense discomfort, light sensitivity, tearing, and that classic foreign body sensation. Even something as small as rubbing your eyes too hard or wearing a dry contact lens can result in a corneal abrasion. These should be assessed to reduce the risk of scarring or infection.
Allergies
Allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander, can lead to inflamed, itchy, watery eyes. Inflammation can make your eyes feel irritated, as if there’s debris inside. Managing your allergies with antihistamines or allergy eye drops can help reduce the symptoms.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, typically caused by clogged oil glands. It can cause crusty lashes, burning, and—you guessed it—that gritty feeling. Regular eyelid hygiene and warm compresses can help, but persistent symptoms should be addressed.
Eye Infections
Conditions like bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) can also create a gritty, uncomfortable sensation. If your eyes are red, producing discharge, or feeling sore and irritated, especially alongside a cold or flu, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis.
What Should You Do If It Feels Like Something Is in Your Eye?
Whether it’s dry eye or another condition, one of the worst things you can do is rub your eye. This can worsen inflammation, spread bacteria, or even cause scratches. Instead:
- Rinse your eye gently with sterile saline or artificial tears
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until the sensation clears
- Schedule an eye exam, especially if the feeling persists more than a day or 2
Persistent irritation is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right—don’t ignore it.
Prioritize Professional Care for Long-Term Relief
While many causes of eye discomfort are minor, ignoring symptoms can lead to complications. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal the underlying issue and help you find fast, effective relief, especially if dry eye is the root of the problem. With proper treatment, you can protect your vision, reduce discomfort, and restore your eyes to their healthy, comfortable state.
If you’ve been struggling with eye irritation or that constant “something-in-your-eye” feeling, our team at Dr. Shonah Finlay Doctors EyeCare Grande Prairie is here to help. We offer personalized dry eye assessments and treatment plans to support your vision and overall eye health. Schedule your appointment today—relief could be just a visit away.
