The feeling of having sand or grit in the eyes is uncomfortable to say the least. Often, this sensation is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms such as itching, burning, pain and light sensitivity.
Of course, it’s always best to visit an eye doctor when you experience such symptoms. To give you an idea of what may be causing the gritty sensation in your eyes, Nova Vision Center shares some information about a few common eye conditions.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes are generally caused by problems with either the quantity or quality of tears. A sandy, gritty sensation in the eyes, especially in the morning, is common with dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears are usually a good way to treat dry eyes, although sometimes additional treatments are needed. Your doctor may prescribe a gel or ointment to apply to your eyes before going to sleep at night for added protection. They may also recommend prescription medications or eye procedures.
Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. It’s usually caused by contact with fingernails, makeup brushes, etc. With corneal abrasion, you may feel like something is stuck in your eyes or your eyes may feel sandy or gritty. This can also feel quite painful, so an eye exam may be required.
Eye Allergies
Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, occurs when an allergen irritates your eyes. Pollen is one of the most common allergens that can aggravate the eyes. Apart from gritty eyes, eye allergies also cause itchiness, burning, tearing, swelling and redness. It’s best to consult your doctor if you suspect that you have eye allergies.
Nova Vision Center has been serving the local community for over 60 years. Every eye specialist on our staff is fully trained and qualified to provide a range of eye care services. We also offer a selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Call us at (703) 578-3600 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Arlington and Falls Church, VA.
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