Have you ever experienced the persistent and uncomfortable sensation of having something stuck in your eye? You’re not alone. This common issue can be caused by a variety of factors including:
Understanding why it feels like something is stuck in your eye is the first step towards ensuring your eye health and comfort.
Is Something Stuck in My Eye?
Feeling as if there’s something stuck in your eye may not seem serious at first. However, when this discomfort persists, it’s often reason enough to visit an eye doctor.
This feeling can be accompanied by a range of signs and symptoms. These may include:
- Redness
- Blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- Itching
- Pain or discomfort
Certain actions can worsen the situation and lead to further damage. It’s best to avoid:
- Rubbing Your Eyes: Although it may be tempting to rub your eyes to relieve the discomfort, doing so can aggravate the irritation and potentially scratch your cornea.
- Wearing Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them as soon as you feel discomfort. Continuing wear can exacerbate the issue and cause further irritation or damage.
- Ignoring Severe or Persistent Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve quickly or are accompanied by severe pain, significant vision changes, or discharge, do not ignore them as these could be signs of a more serious condition.
Following these precautions can help prevent further harm to your eyes and provide a quicker recovery.
Reasons It Feels Like Something Is Stuck in Your Eye
Foreign Body
A foreign body is a foreign object in your eye that isn’t meant to be there. This can range from dust, debris, eyelashes, and in serious cases shards of metal from job sites (always make sure to wear protective equipment).
It often feels like a sharp or gritty sensation that worsens when you blink. The discomfort can range from mild to severe, depending on the size and location of the foreign object. Sometimes, you may not see the irritant, but the sensation persists.
Try rinsing your eye with artificial tears, saline solution, or clean warm water. If the discomfort continues, visit your eye doctor for an emergency eye care appointment.
If the foreign body irritant is a metal shard (or something along those lines) visit your optometrist as soon as possible, as they will have the tools to safely remove the foreign body and provide antibiotic eye drops to promote healing.
Leaving a foreign body untreated can lead to infections or even more severe damage to your eye, such as corneal abrasions or ulcers. Please don’t attempt to remove a foreign body on your own. Doing so can lead to further damage.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common chronic condition that affects roughly 20 million Americans. This condition is characterized by a gritty, dry, burning, and discomforting sensation in the eyes, making it feel as if there’s something in the eye.
Additional symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Redness
- Watery eyes
- Stinging
- Light sensitivity
Dry eyes occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to lubricate the eyes or if the quality of your tears is poor. Tears are an important part of maintaining eye health on the eye’s surface providing visual clarity.
Fortunately, there are dry eye therapies available to alleviate symptoms, ranging from advanced treatments to home remedies, such as artificial tears, medicated eye drops, meibomian gland expression, or punctal plugs.
Corneal Abrasions
A corneal abrasion can make it feel like something is perpetually stuck in your eye accompanied by constant, sharp discomfort.
Corneal abrasions are scratches on the eye’s surface, usually caused by contact with foreign objects, vigorous rubbing, or contact lenses.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
Blinking or closing your eye typically exacerbates the pain, as the eyelid rubs against the injured cornea.
An untreated corneal abrasion can lead to infections, scarring, and even long-term vision problems. Small corneal abrasions may heal on their own, but it’s always recommended to visit your optometrist to learn how to promote healing and avoid complications.
Allergies
Allergies can contribute to the uncomfortable sensation of feeling like something is stuck in your eye. When your eyes come into contact with allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, they can trigger an allergic reaction, leading to inflammation and irritation.
This response often results in symptoms such as:
- Redness
- Itching
- Excessive tearing
These symptoms can enhance the sensation of having a foreign object in your eye.
Understanding the link between allergies and eye discomfort is crucial for finding effective relief. By managing your allergies with appropriate medications and minimizing exposure to allergens, you can alleviate this bothersome sensation and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes.
If symptoms persist, visit your eye doctor. They can help you find an appropriate and effective treatment for your eye discomfort.
Infections & Inflammation
Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) and blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) can significantly contribute to the sensation of having something stuck in your eye.
Conjunctivitis, whether viral, bacterial, or allergic, leads to redness, itching, and a gritty feeling, as if a foreign object is lodged in your eye.
Similarly, blepharitis causes inflammation along the edges of your eyelids, resulting in irritation, crusting, and a persistent feeling of discomfort.
Both conditions can produce excessive tearing and discharge, further enhancing the sensation of an obstructed eye. Prompt treatment of these infections is essential to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
The Importance of Professional Eye Care
If you feel like something is stuck in your eye, don’t wait.
Your optometrist can accurately diagnose the problem and provide effective treatment and management options to avoid complications, promote healing, and provide long-term relief.
Connect with our team at Park Slope Eye for immediate emergency eye care.
