The feeling that something is stuck in the eye, known as foreign body sensation, is a frequent complaint in eye care. This uncomfortable symptom is described as gritty, scratchy, or burning, often triggering excessive tearing and blinking. The sensation arises from the highly sensitive nerve endings on the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye. This discomfort can be intensely irritating, even if no visible object is present.
Immediate Actions for Eye Discomfort
The first action when experiencing this sensation is to resist the urge to rub the eye. Rubbing can push debris deeper or cause a painful scratch, known as a corneal abrasion, which worsens the discomfort. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately, as a particle may be trapped underneath or the lens may be damaged.
The safest way to attempt removal is by flushing the eye with a gentle stream of clean water or a sterile saline solution. You can use an eyewash cup or cup your hand and pour the liquid into the affected eye while tilting your head.
To locate debris, gently pull the lower eyelid down while looking up, and then hold the upper lid while looking down. If you see the object, you may try to gently lift it away using the corner of a clean tissue or a moist cotton swab. If flushing or gentle examination does not provide relief, stop all attempts at self-treatment.
Common Sources of the Foreign Body Sensation
The sensation can be caused by two main categories: external objects or internal physiological conditions affecting the eye’s surface. External irritants include common airborne particles like dust, sand, or grit, which are usually washed away by tears or flushing. A loose eyelash or a tiny piece of makeup can also become trapped under the eyelid, causing irritation with every blink.
External Causes
Contact lens wearers often experience this feeling due to improper fit, overwear, or protein deposits that accumulate on the lens surface. These deposits create friction against the cornea, mimicking a foreign object. Sometimes, the initial object has already been washed out, but the lingering sensation is caused by a microscopic scratch left behind on the corneal surface.
Internal Causes
Internal conditions are responsible for the feeling when no external material is present. Severe dry eye is a frequent culprit, as a poor quality or insufficient tear film exposes the corneal nerve endings, leading to a gritty feeling. Inflammation of the eyelids, known as blepharitis, can cause debris to fall into the tear film or the inflammation itself can irritate the surface.
A corneal abrasion, a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye, exposes a dense network of sensory nerves and causes intense sensation until the surface layer heals. Other irritations, such as mild conjunctivitis or a small stye forming on the eyelid, can also trigger this reflex feeling. These underlying issues require specific medical diagnosis and treatment to resolve the discomfort.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
While many instances of eye discomfort resolve with simple first-aid, certain warning signs indicate a potentially serious problem requiring immediate professional evaluation. Seek urgent medical care if you experience sudden or severe vision changes, such as blurring, double vision, or partial loss of sight. These symptoms suggest damage beyond the eye’s surface.
Persistent, unrelenting pain after attempting to flush the eye, especially pain that intensifies, should prompt a visit to an eye care specialist or emergency room. An embedded object (metal, glass, or wood) should never be removed by the individual, as this risks further damage to the delicate eye structures. Cover the eye with a shield or cup and seek help immediately.
Other serious red flags include:
- The presence of blood in the clear part of the eye or any thick, colored discharge, which may signal a severe infection.
- Intense sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, combined with redness or pain, which can indicate inflammation or significant corneal damage.
- If the foreign body sensation or any associated symptoms worsen or fail to improve within 24 hours of initial self-care.