A gritty, sandy feeling in your eyes can make it hard to focus, blink comfortably, or wear contacts for more than a few hours. If your eyes feel rough, irritated, or like there’s something stuck in them, it could be a sign of dry eye or another underlying condition.
During a comprehensive eye exam in Lincoln or Omaha, our team can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend personalized care to relieve your discomfort. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons for gritty eyes and how professional treatment can help restore your comfort.
What are gritty eyes?
Before we discuss the common causes, it’s important to understand the meaning of gritty eyes. “Gritty eyes” refers to the uncomfortable sensation of having something stuck in your eyes, such as dust or sand. This sensation can cause:
- Irritation
- Dryness
- Redness
- Frequent blinking as your eyes attempt to clear the discomfort
Gritty eyes may affect one or both eyes and can be mild or persistent. Understanding the underlying cause is critical for finding relief.
What causes gritty eyes?
A gritty sensation often stems from a disruption in the tear film, the thin layer of moisture that keeps the surface of your eyes lubricated and smooth. Several conditions or other factors can cause this, including:
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye is one of the most frequent causes of gritty, uncomfortable eyes. This condition occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to poor quality. Without a stable tear film to lubricate and protect the eyes, even blinking can feel abrasive.
In many cases, dry eye symptoms worsen in dry or windy environments or after long periods of screen use. Fortunately, we offer several dry eye treatment options at ProEye Vision Center to address the root cause and improve tear stability and eye comfort over time.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, often caused by clogged oil glands near the base of the eyelashes. These glands are essential for producing the oily layer of your tear film, which prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become blocked, it leads to redness, swelling, and a persistent gritty or foreign body sensation in the eyes.
Treatments for blepharitis may include eyelid hygiene, warm compresses, and targeted in-office therapies to reduce inflammation and clear gland openings.
Allergies
Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger itchy, watery, and gritty eyes. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold are common irritants that can inflame the surface of the eyes and eyelids.
When you have allergic conjunctivitis, gritty eyes are often accompanied by other symptoms like redness and watery eyes. Identifying your specific allergens and using prescription or over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can help reduce inflammation and improve overall comfort.
Contact lens wear
If you wear contact lenses and experience gritty or irritated eyes, the issue may be with the lenses themselves. Ill-fitting lenses, extended wear, or lenses that don’t allow enough oxygen to reach the surface of the eye can lead to dryness and discomfort.
For some people, switching to a different lens material or a daily disposable lens can make a significant difference. At ProEye Vision Center, we offer a wide selection of contact lenses and can help you find the best option based on your vision needs and eye health.
Get relief in Omaha or Lincoln
If dry, gritty eyes are disrupting your day, it’s time to get answers. A detailed evaluation at ProEye Vision Center allows us to assess your tear film, eyelid health, and ocular surface to determine the source of your symptoms. From targeted dry eye treatment to contact lens adjustments and allergy management, we’ll create a care plan tailored to your needs.
Relief starts with the right care. Reach out to our eye care center in Omaha or Lincoln, or fill out our appointment request form today.
