Have you ever had that annoying feeling of sand in your eyes? It can be very uncomfortable and frustrating, especially if it happens frequently. If you’re dealing with this problem, you might be wondering what’s causing it and what you can do to fix it. In this blog post, we’ll explore common causes of a gritty sensation in the eyes and recommend some treatments to help you get some relief.
1. Allergies
If your eyes feel sandy, allergies could be the cause. Seasonal allergies or sensitivity to things like pollen, dust, or pet dander can make your eyes red, itchy, and gritty. It happens when your immune system confuses harmless stuff with threats and releases chemicals that trigger inflammation. To get relief, you can try taking over-the-counter antihistamines, avoiding allergens as much as possible, or cleaning your home more often.
2. Eye infections
Gritty eyes can sometimes be a sign of an eye infection. For example, bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can cause redness, discharge, and irritation that may make you feel like you have sand in your eyes. Other symptoms may include light sensitivity, blurred vision, or swollen eyelids. If you think you have an eye infection, schedule an eye exam with our eye doctor right away. We may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication to clear up the infection and prevent complications.
3. Contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses, especially for long periods or without cleaning them properly, can also lead to dryness and irritation in the eyes. It can make your eyes feel gritty, scratchy, or burning and increase the risk of infections and corneal damage. To avoid these problems, make sure to follow your eye doctor’s instructions on lens care and wear, use lubricating eye drops, take breaks from contacts, and consider switching to daily disposables.
4. Dry eyes
Dry eye is the most common cause of gritty eyes. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or they evaporate too quickly, your eyes can become inflamed, leading to dryness, irritation, and that gritty feeling. This can happen due to a variety of factors, such as aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, or environmental conditions like dry air, wind, or smoke.
If you’re dealing with persistently dry eyes, it’s best to see an eye doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing it and suggest treatments like artificial tears, prescription eye drops, or even tear duct plugs to stop tear drainage.
If you’re suffering from dry eye, don’t wait to schedule an appointment at Corinth Eye Clinic in Corinth or Weeden Eye Clinic in Albany. Our eye doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating dry eye and offer a range of treatments for dry eyes, including Thermal 1-touch digital heat therapy and BRUDER Moist Heat Eye Compresses. We’re here to help you find relief from that uncomfortable gritty feeling and get back to enjoying your life. Contact us today to book an eye exam.