The Common Causes of That “Something in My Eye” Sensation

Few things are as distracting and frustrating as that unmistakable feeling that something is stuck in your eye. Sometimes it’s a visible speck or eyelash, but other times, the irritation lingers even when nothing is there. That "foreign body sensation" is common and can stem from many causes, ranging from dry eyes to underlying infections or injuries.

Here’s what might be behind that gritty, scratchy feeling and when to seek expert care.

1. Foreign Object or Debris

This is often the first suspect. A speck of dust, sand, or an eyelash can easily irritate the eye's surface, especially if you’ve been outside on a windy day.

How to Handle It:

• Avoid rubbing your eye it can scratch the cornea.

• Blink rapidly or rinse the eye with clean water or saline solution.

• Use artificial tears to help flush out small particles.

If the sensation lasts more than a day or your vision is affected, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

2. Dry Eyes

When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, it creates friction between your eyelid and eye surface mimicking the feeling of debris.

Common Causes Include:

• Age-related tear production decline

• Medications like antihistamines or antidepressants

• Extended screen time or contact lens use

Treatment:

Artificial tears may help temporarily. For chronic cases, medications like cyclosporine or lifestyle changes may be recommended. Some people benefit from reducing contact lens wear or switching prescriptions.

3. Chalazion or Stye

These are small, often painful bumps on the eyelid caused by blocked oil glands or infection. They can cause pressure that makes it feel like something is in your eye.

Treatment Tips:

• Apply a warm compress several times a day to reduce swelling and unblock the gland.

• Avoid squeezing or popping the bump.

• Antibiotics or surgical drainage may be needed for persistent cases.

4. Blepharitis (Eyelid Inflammation)

Blepharitis occurs when oil glands or bacteria cause irritation at the base of the eyelashes. Along with a foreign body sensation, you may notice redness, itching, or crusting.

Treatment:

• Gently clean the eyelid with diluted baby shampoo and warm water.

• In some cases, steroid or antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed.

5. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

This highly contagious condition causes inflammation in the membrane covering your eye. Pink eye can result from viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants and often feels gritty or like something’s stuck in the eye.

Treatment Options:

• Viral pink eye typically clears on its own in 1–2 weeks.

• Bacterial cases may require antibiotic drops.

• Artificial tears and warm compresses can ease discomfort.

6. Corneal Injury

A scratched cornea or exposure to chemicals can make it feel like a grain of sand is trapped in your eye. Chemical injuries require immediate flushing and emergency care.

Seek Immediate Help If You:

• Experience severe pain or blurred vision

• Know you’ve been exposed to a chemical

• Have a foreign object embedded in your eye

7. Corneal Ulcer

A corneal ulcer is an open sore that can result from untreated infections, injury, or contact lens misuse. These can be painful and increase light sensitivity, in addition to feeling like something is in your eye.

Treatment:

• Antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral drops depending on the cause

• In some cases, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

• Surgery may be needed if the ulcer worsens

8. Eye Herpes

The herpes simplex virus can sometimes affect the eye, leading to ulcers on the cornea. This may cause redness, swelling, and the sensation of a foreign body.

Treatment:

Eye gel containing ganciclovir or systemic antiviral medications are typically used, often paired with steroid drops to reduce inflammation.

9. Fungal Keratitis

This rare but serious condition typically follows an eye injury involving plant material or contaminated contact lenses. Along with pain and redness, it can produce that gritty sensation.

Treatment:

• Antifungal eye drops and oral medications

• Surgical removal in severe cases

10. Pterygium or Pinguecula

These are benign growths on the eye’s surface that can lead to discomfort. Pterygium appears fleshy and can extend onto the cornea, while pinguecula is more yellowish and tends to form on the white part of the eye.

Relief May Include:

• Artificial tears for lubrication

• Steroid drops to reduce swelling

• Surgical removal if vision is affected

11. Sjögren’s Disease

This autoimmune condition causes extremely dry eyes and mouth by attacking moisture-producing glands. The lack of lubrication makes blinking uncomfortable and causes a scratchy, foreign body sensation.

Treatment Options:

• Artificial tears and anti-inflammatory medications

• Tear duct plugs to retain natural moisture

• Prescription medications like pilocarpine to increase tear production

When to See a Specialist

Most foreign body sensations resolve within a day or two with basic care, but some cases require a closer look. Contact a healthcare provider if:

• The feeling persists or worsens

• You notice vision changes, pain, or discharge

• A visible object is embedded in your eye

• You've experienced trauma or chemical exposure

Bottom Line

That uncomfortable feeling of something in your eye may be more than just a stray eyelash. Whether it’s dry eyes, an infection, or a more serious condition, don’t ignore persistent symptoms especially if your vision is affected.

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