That persistent feeling like there’s an eyelash or a grain of sand stubbornly stuck in your eye can be incredibly irritating. You might rub it, rinse it, and still, the sensation remains. This common complaint is known as a foreign body sensation, and while it truly feels like something is there, often, there isn’t. Let’s explore why you might experience this bothersome feeling and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of the Sensation
Sometimes, despite the frustrating sensation, a doctor examining your eye might not find any actual foreign object. This is because even after a small particle like dust is washed away by your tears, a slight scratch on the cornea – the clear front surface of your eye – can leave you feeling like something is still present. This corneal abrasion can cause ongoing discomfort until it heals.
Other potential causes for this sensation include:
- Dry Eyes: Insufficient tear production can lead to irritation and a gritty feeling, mimicking a foreign body sensation.
- Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids can cause debris and irritation that feels like something is in the eye.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye, can also create this feeling.
- Ingrown Eyelashes (Trichiasis): Lashes that grow inward can rub against the cornea, causing irritation.
How to Care for Yourself at Home
If you’re experiencing this sensation, here are a few things you can do at home to find relief:
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eye: Resist the urge to rub your eye, as this can worsen irritation and potentially cause further scratching.
- Use Prescribed Eye Drops or Ointments: If your doctor has prescribed eye drops or ointment, use them exactly as directed. Ensure the dropper tip is clean to prevent contamination.
- Properly Administer Eye Drops or Ointment:
- Tilt your head back.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
- Drop or squeeze the medication into this pocket, ensuring you don’t touch the dropper or tube tip to your eye or eyelashes.
- Close your eye gently for 30 to 60 seconds to allow the medication to spread.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many cases resolve on their own or with simple home care, it’s important to know when to seek medical help. Contact your doctor or seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Increased or Severe Eye Pain: If the discomfort intensifies or becomes painful.
- Light Sensitivity (Photophobia): If light becomes bothersome or painful to your eye.
- Worsening Eye Redness: If redness in your eye increases.
- Signs of Eye Infection:
- Pus or thick discharge from the eye.
- Increased redness or swelling around the eye.
- Fever.
- Vision Changes: Any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or decreased vision.
It’s always wise to monitor your symptoms closely. If your condition doesn’t improve as expected, or if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for advice and examination. They can properly diagnose the cause of your foreign body sensation and recommend the appropriate treatment to ensure your eye health.
