Ever woke up in the morning and felt like there was sand in your eyes?

Constant exposure to screens, pollutants, and other environmental stressors can lead to discomfort in the eyes.

And this incredible organ becomes a source of discomfort. This sandpaper-like sensation in the eyes, makes it difficult to focus, concentrate, or simply find relief.

If so, you’re not alone. They are common and can affect people of all ages and lifestyles, often leading to irritation in the eyes and reduced productivity.

Let’s understand more about gritty eyes.

What are Gritty eyes?

Gritty eyes are like a sensation that something is in the eye when it is actually not. In such cases, the person can feel irritation in the eyes, which can cause extreme discomfort. 

Apart from that, a person with gritty eyes may also have watery eyes, redness, pain, and irritation in the eyes. 

There are various conditions that can lead to a person experiencing the sensation of gritty eyes. 

Keep reading to learn more about this eye disorder.

Symptoms:

Common symptoms associated with gritty eyes include:

• Persistent dryness or itchiness in the eyes
• A feeling of having sand in the eyes
• Redness and inflammation
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue or discomfort by screen use
• Watery eyes

Causes of gritty eyes

Various factors can contribute to the development of gritty eyes, some of them are as follows:

Dry eye syndrome: Dry eye is one of the most common causes. It is a condition when the eyes don’t produce enough tears. A person with dry eyes experiences blurred vision, stinging and burning, scratchiness, and more.

Corneal abrasion: It is a scratch on the surface of the cornea (the outer layer that covers the iris and pupil). It can be due to fingernail, makeup brushes, or more, and make you feel like something is stuck in your eyes. This situation can be pretty painful.

Corneal laceration: Corneal laceration is much more deeper and painful than corneal abrasion. It may feel like something is hitting the cornea with extreme force. This condition requires immediate medical attention as it causes severe pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and more.

Blepharitis: It is inflammation in your eyelids which might cause it to look swollen or red – this may feel gritty. Blepharitis can be treated with antibiotics or steroids.

How to prevent Gritty eyes

To prevent and alleviate gritty eyes, consider the following strategies:

• Maintain proper eye hygiene: Make sure to clean your eyelids and lashes regularly to reduce the risk.

• Blink regularly: Be mindful of blinking, especially when you have prolonged screen time. This helps to keep your eyes lubricated.

• Take frequent breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Wear sunglasses: When outdoors, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from wind, dust, and harmful UV rays.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support staying hydrated and maintain your overall eye health.

• Systemic Evaluation: Sometimes it can als be associated with systemic illness. For example, rheumatoid arthritis can cause dry eyes which leads to gritty eyes. Hence systemic evaluation and if required treatment helps in preventing them.

Bottom Line

It can be a painful situation, which is why it is important to take preventive measures to avoid it. In case of any emergency, seek professional help immediately. Visit PVRI, the best eye hospital in Hyderabad.