The unsettling sensation that something is in your eye, known as foreign body sensation, is common. It often feels gritty, scratchy, or irritating, accompanied by tearing or discomfort. Though usually harmless, it can be bothersome. Understanding its causes helps address the discomfort.
Common Foreign Objects
The most frequent cause of feeling something in your eye is a foreign object on its surface. Tiny particles like dust, dirt, or sand can lodge on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, or beneath the eyelids. An errant eyelash, a common culprit, can also cause irritation as it rubs against the ocular surface. Makeup particles, especially from mascara or eyeliner, are another source of irritation; these can flake off and enter the tear film, causing discomfort.
These objects create the sensation by irritating or scratching the cornea or conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. The cornea is richly supplied with nerve fibers, making it very sensitive to disruption. Even a minuscule particle can trigger a strong response, as the eye’s natural protective mechanisms, such as blinking and tearing, attempt to dislodge the irritant. When a foreign body becomes trapped under the upper eyelid, it can cause repeated corneal scratches with each blink, intensifying the discomfort.
Underlying Eye Conditions
Sometimes, the feeling of something in the eye persists even when no foreign object is visible. This can point to an underlying eye condition affecting the ocular surface or surrounding structures. Dry eye syndrome is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality, leading to insufficient lubrication. This lack of a stable tear film causes friction between the eyelid and the cornea during blinking, creating a gritty or sandy sensation.
Allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva due to allergens like pollen or pet dander, can also cause a foreign body sensation with itching and redness. Corneal abrasions, scratches on the cornea, are another cause; these can result from minor trauma, such as a fingernail scratch or vigorous eye rubbing. Even after the object causing the scratch is gone, exposed nerve endings on the abraded surface can mimic the feeling of something present. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, known as conjunctivitis or “pink eye,” can lead to a gritty sensation, often with redness and discharge. An ingrown eyelash, called trichiasis, occurs when an eyelash grows inward and continuously rubs against the eye surface, causing persistent irritation.
Immediate Steps for Relief
When you first feel something in your eye, several steps can help alleviate discomfort and remove the irritant. Repeatedly blinking stimulates tear production, the eye’s natural way of washing away small particles. Tears can dislodge and flush out minor debris like dust or a loose eyelash from the eye’s surface. This action also helps lubricate the eye, reducing friction.
If blinking alone is not sufficient, gently flushing the eye with clean, lukewarm water or a sterile saline solution can help remove the foreign object. You can use an eyecup, a clean drinking glass, or allow a gentle stream of water from a faucet or shower to run over the affected eye, ensuring the water hits your forehead and flows into the eye. Avoid rubbing your eye, as this can push the foreign object further, scratch the cornea, or introduce bacteria, worsening irritation or causing infection. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before flushing, as the object might be trapped underneath.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many instances of foreign body sensation resolve with self-care, some symptoms require professional medical attention to prevent complications or address underlying conditions. Seek prompt medical care if pain is severe or worsens, vision becomes blurry, or you experience increased sensitivity to light. Persistent redness, discharge from the eye, or swelling of the eyelids are also signs that need evaluation.
Also seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an object is embedded in your eye, if you cannot remove a foreign object with gentle flushing, or if the sensation persists for more than a few hours after self-care. These symptoms could indicate a corneal abrasion, an infection, or a more serious injury requiring specialized tools and treatment. Timely intervention can help preserve eye health and prevent long-term damage.