
Do you feel like you have something in your eye?
02 February 2023
Patients with ocular pathologies often describe a sensation of sand or foreign body in the eye, even though there is nothing there. This symptom, increasingly common in ophthalmology, is aggravated by visual fatigue due to remote work and prolonged use of screens.
The sensation of a foreign body in the eye can be caused by different factors, such as dust particles, makeup, or a small object that has entered the eye. However, it can also be caused by problems such as:
1. inflammation of the conjunctiva (known as conjunctivitis) due to allergic, viral, or bacterial causes. A stye can also cause this sensation.
2. Abuse of contact lenses can cause allergic reactions in the conjunctiva or corneal infections.
3. Foreign body sensation can be caused by dry eye syndrome, lack of tears or poor tear quality, especially with excessive use of computer or cell phone screens.
4. Patients with blepharitis (inflammation or infection at the edge of the eyelashes and eyelids) often complain of foreign body sensation upon waking in the morning.
5. Patients with a history of corneal abrasions may experience pain and a strong foreign body sensation.
Occasionally, an actual foreign body (eyelashes, dust, sand, particles, etc.) has entered the eye causing irritation, tearing and corneal abrasions. It is important to use caution when removing it to avoid serious damage.
The use of moisturizing eye drops relieves the sensation of sand or foreign body in the eye. However, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Other suggestions include maintaining proper eye and eyelid hygiene, taking frequent vision breaks during prolonged screen use, and avoiding lack of sleep, irritating makeup, air-conditioned or heated environments, pollution, tobacco smoke, dust, etc., depending on your case.