Ever experienced the sensation that sand was in your eyes? It’s common to refer to that scratchy, abrasive sensation as gritty eyes. Gritty eyeballs can be unsettling, but they typically mean nothing serious. It is still bothersome. The causes and solutions of this prevalent eye condition are covered in the article below.
Symptoms
Gritty eye symptoms can range from minor to severe. The eyes could feel as though a tiny speck of grit or dust is there. That scratchy sensation frequently affects both eyes. Other signs of gritty eyes, besides a scratchy sensation, might be:
Burning
Redness
Dryness
Itching
Moist eyes
Reasons For Gritty Eyes
Gritty eyes’ can be caused by a variety of factors. Sometimes the reason for gritty eyes is evident, such when you get something in your eyes, but in other circumstances, the explanation can be something you didn’t think of. Gritty’ eyes could be caused by any of the following:
*Dry Eye Syndrome
One of the most typical reasons of a gritty sensation is dry eye syndrome. It happens when your tears are insufficient. Numerous factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, contact lens use, and drug side effects, can cause dry eye syndrome. Your risk of developing an eye infection can rise if the disease gets bad enough.
*Allergies
Eye allergies are quite common. When the immune system overreacts to a material, such as pet dander, pollen, or smoke, an allergy develops. Allergies frequently result in burning, ripping, and itching in addition to a gritty feeling.
*A Corneal Scratch
A scrape on the cornea’s surface can be caused by fingernails, mascara wands, and makeup brushes. When it happens, you’ll undoubtedly notice that your cornea has been scratched.
*Medication Side Effects
A gritty feeling in the eyes might be brought on by the adverse effects of several drugs, which can impair tear production and produce dry eyes. Medications might consist of:
Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Tablets for contraception
Medicine to lower blood pressure
Decongestants
It is best to discuss pharmaceutical alternatives with your doctor if the gritty sensation in your eyes is severe. Before stopping a prescribed medicine, see your doctor.
*Sunburned Eyes
After excessive UV exposure, your eyes can also become sunburned, just like your skin can. Photokeratitis is the medical word for a burnt cornea. Redness, hazy vision, and gritty eyes may result from it. The Cleveland Clinic claims that symptoms often last between a few hours to a few days.
Treatments
The reason of gritty eyes’ determines the course of treatment. Rinsing the eye out will help if, for instance, a small piece of sand, dirt, or dust is in the eyes.
Use artificial tears: Applying artificial tears roughly three times per day is the primary treatment for dry eyes. If you have any questions about using preservative-free eye drops, speak to your eye doctor.
Use a warm compress: Several times a day, placing a warm compress over the eye will help relieve pain.
Wash your face and rinse your eyes with warm water if you have allergies to get rid of pollen or other allergens.
Give your eyes a vacation; using digital devices can cause eye strain that worsens dryness and inflammation. Give your PC, laptop, and phone a rest.
Prescription eye drops: Your eye doctor may advise prescription eye drops to assist you produce more tears if your gritty eyes’ are severe.
