The sensation of having something in your eye when you blink, medically termed “foreign body sensation,” is a common and often irritating experience. This feeling can range from mild annoyance to significant discomfort, frequently leading to excessive blinking and rubbing.
Understanding What Might Be Causing It
The feeling that something is in your eye can stem from various sources, not always indicating an actual foreign object. Sometimes, a tiny particle like dust, an eyelash, or a grain of sand can become trapped on the eye’s surface or under the eyelid, causing direct irritation with each blink.
Dry eyes are another common reason for this sensation. This occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality, leading to insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface. The resulting friction between the eyelid and the eyeball during blinking can create a gritty, scratchy, or burning feeling.
A scratch or injury to the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, known as a corneal abrasion, can also cause a strong foreign body sensation. This can result from direct trauma, such as a fingernail scratch, a makeup brush, or even an inturned eyelash. Corneal abrasions often cause pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelids, is called conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” This condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergens and frequently leads to a foreign body sensation along with redness, discharge, itching, and sometimes swelling. Inflammation of the eyelids, known as blepharitis, can also cause itching, burning, and a gritty sensation due to bacteria or debris accumulating along the lash line.
First Aid for Eye Irritation
When experiencing eye irritation, initial actions can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to avoid introducing additional irritants or bacteria into the eye. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before attempting any first aid.
A gentle flush with clean, warm water or a sterile saline solution can often dislodge small particles. Flushing the eye from the inner corner towards the outer corner is recommended to prevent washing substances into the other eye.
Artificial tears, also known as lubricating eye drops, can provide relief for general discomfort and dryness. These drops help to moisten the eye’s surface and reduce friction. It is important to resist the urge to rub the eye, as this can worsen irritation or potentially cause more damage, especially if a foreign object is present.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
While minor eye irritation often resolves with home care, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. You should seek an eye care professional if the irritation is severe, sudden, or persists for more than a few days despite home remedies. Persistent pain, especially if it is intense or ongoing, is a significant indicator for a medical evaluation.
Blurred vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or a sudden change in vision are concerning signs that require prompt medical attention. The presence of eye discharge that is yellow, green, thick, or excessive, especially if it causes eyelids to stick together, also suggests a need for professional assessment, as it can indicate an infection. A visible foreign object that is embedded in the eye, or if you cannot remove an object with simple flushing, necessitates immediate medical help. Additionally, if you experience swelling in or around the eye, or have difficulty moving your eye, a doctor should be consulted.
Tips for Eye Comfort and Health
Maintaining good eye health involves several proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of future irritation. Wearing protective eyewear, such as safety goggles, is important in environments with dust, airborne particles, or when engaging in activities like DIY projects or gardening that could cause debris to enter the eye.
When using digital screens for extended periods, practicing the “20-20-20 rule” can help alleviate eye strain and dryness. This involves taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something at least 20 feet away. This allows the eye muscles to relax and can reduce discomfort.
Proper contact lens hygiene is also crucial for contact lens wearers. This includes always washing hands before handling lenses, cleaning lenses thoroughly with fresh solution, and never reusing old solution or cleaning lenses with tap water. Adhering to the recommended wearing schedule and not sleeping in lenses unless approved for overnight wear can significantly reduce the risk of irritation and infection.