Most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about eye comfort — until we experience uncomfortable symptoms like grittiness or burning. Because we depend on our eyes so much, even minor or mild symptoms can have a big impact on our comfort and ability to perform simple daily tasks.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center, Curtis Frank, OD, uses advanced techniques to evaluate eye discomfort and find the underlying cause, prescribing treatment focused on providing relief and preventing complications.
Here, learn some of the most common causes of gritty eyes, so you can seek appropriate treatment as soon as possible.
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common causes of persistent gritty sensations, along with other symptoms like blurry vision, itchiness, and burning. As many as 50% of adults suffer from dry eye syndrome, yet many people don’t know what causes it.
Dry eye happens when your tear film isn’t keeping your eyes adequately lubricated. Typically, that’s because your eyes aren’t producing enough tears or the tears they’re producing are of poor quality, evaporating quickly so eyes are left dry and irritated.
Dry eye syndrome becomes more common with age, particularly among women as they enter menopause. Other potential causes include:
Spending hours staring at a lighted computer or phone screen can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and so can dry or windy environments or airborne pollutants.
Dr. Frank offers a variety of therapies for dry eyes, including special eye drops and medications, minimally invasive treatments to open blocked tear ducts, and lifestyle changes to support better eye health. Prompt treatment is important to reduce the risk of infection or corneal damage that can result from unmanaged dry eye syndrome.
While dry eye syndrome is a common reason for that sandpaper grittiness you’re feeling, there are other possible culprits, too, like allergies, corneal abrasions, conjunctivitis, or blepharitis.
Allergies are another common cause of scratchy eyes, particularly airborne allergies caused by smoke, pollen, or other pollutants. Pet dander and household dust can cause eye symptoms, too.
Allergies trigger the release of histamines, chemicals that can dry out your eyes and lead to redness and sensations of grittiness, burning, and itching. While it’s tempting to reach for an over-the-counter product, some allergy medications can make dry eyes worse.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s a good idea to have your eye symptoms evaluated in our office so we can recommend a treatment appropriate for your eyes.
An abrasion or scratch on your cornea can cause gritty sensations, too. Your cornea is a clear, dome-shaped membrane that covers the front part of your eye.
Traumatic injury or contact with a grain of sand or other debris can cause a corneal abrasion, and so can vigorously rubbing your eyes. Corneal abrasions significantly increase your risk of dangerous eye infections, which is another reason why dry eye symptoms should never be ignored.
Pink eye is inflammation of your conjunctiva, your sclera (the thin membrane of tissue that covers the white part of your eyes), and the inside of your eyelids. It’s typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection or allergies.
Gritty sensations are a common symptom, along with itching, redness, and a mucusy discharge. Prompt treatment is important for your own eye health and also for preventing a viral or bacterial infection from spreading to someone else.
Blepharitis is a condition that happens when your eyelids are irritated and inflamed. Bacteria, dry eyes, and some skin conditions can all lead to blepharitis, and so can blocked oil glands in your lid margins.
Your eyes depend on your eyelids to keep them protected and lubricated. If your eyelids are itchy, red, swollen, or sore, it’s time for an evaluation.
Grittiness, burning, or itching aren't just annoying — they’re indications that something’s wrong with your eyes. Ignoring those symptoms could lead to more serious problems, including permanent vision loss.
To find out what’s causing your eye symptoms and what we can do to relieve them, request an appointment with Dr. Frank. Contact our friendly team at Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston and Newton Upper Falls, Massachusetts.
