Have you ever woken up and felt like there was sand in your eyes? Or maybe your eyes feel irritated, dry, and uncomfortable at the end of the day? That gritty, scratchy sensation can be frustrating, but there are reasons behind it and solutions to help you find relief.
Common causes of gritty eyes
There are several reasons why your eyes might feel like they have sand in them. Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding relief. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Dry eye syndrome
Do you ever step outside on a windy day and your eyes immediately feel dry? Or do your eyes start to feel scratchy and tired after scrolling on your phone or working on your computer all day? Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, leading to discomfort and inflammation. Aging, screen time, medications, and even air conditioning can worsen your discomfort. If dry eye is the culprit, Family Eye Care offers dry eye treatment in Bristol, CT, including IPL therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that helps improve tear production and relieve symptoms.
Allergies
Have you ever rubbed your eyes after petting a dog or walking through a field of blooming flowers, only to regret it moments later? Allergies can cause itchy, watery, and gritty-feeling eyes, thanks to triggers like pollen, pet dander, dust, and skincare products. Over-the-counter or prescription allergy drops can help calm the reaction and bring relief.
Blepharitis
You may have blepharitis if you wake up with crusty eyelashes or feel like your eyelids are heavier than usual. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacteria or clogged oil glands near the eyelashes. It can leave your eyes feeling gritty, red, and irritated. Warm compresses, proper eyelid hygiene, and medicated wipes can help manage symptoms and keep your eyes feeling comfortable.
Foreign particles or irritants
Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the right one. If you feel like something is in your eye, that just might be the case. A speck of dust, an eyelash, or even makeup residue in your eye can cause irritation. If your eyes suddenly feel gritty, try flushing them with artificial tears or clean water instead of rubbing them—it’ll only make things worse! If the gritty feeling still doesn’t go away, contact our Bristol eye doctors for an exam.
Contact lens irritation
Wearing contact lenses can feel like second nature until they start to irritate your eyes. If your lenses are drying out, accumulating deposits, or not fitting right, they can leave your eyes feeling gritty and uncomfortable. Cleaning your lenses properly, switching to daily disposables, or talking to your eye doctor about alternative options can help keep your eyes happy.
How to find relief
Here are some tips to try if your eyes feel gritty and irritated:
- Use artificial tears – Lubricating eye drops can help soothe dryness and irritation.
- Apply warm compresses – This can help with blepharitis and encourage better oil production in your tear glands.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule – If you spend a lot of time on screens, take a break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Wear sunglasses – Protecting your eyes from wind, sun, and allergens can reduce irritation.
- See your eye doctor – If symptoms persist, it’s important to get a professional evaluation to determine the cause and the best treatment.
How Family Eye Care in Bristol can help
No matter what’s causing your gritty eyes, Family Eye Care in Bristol, CT, is here to help. Whether it’s dry eye syndrome, allergies, or another underlying issue, we’ll work with you to find the right treatment. If dry eye is the problem, our IPL therapy in Bristol can provide lasting relief by improving tear production and reducing inflammation.
Don’t suffer through the discomfort—schedule an appointment today and get back to feeling your best!