Gritty Eyes: Causes and Treatment

Having gritty eyes is uncomfortable to say the least. What causes this sensation, and what can you do about it? In today’s post, local eye care center Six One Six Vision Center sheds light on causes and treatment options for gritty eyes.

What Causes Gritty Eyes?

Gritty eyes is a symptom that can be caused by a number of conditions, many of which require treatment from an eye doctor. These are the most common causes: 

• Dry eye syndrome — Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes are insufficiently lubricated due to issues with the tear glands.
• Corneal abrasion — This is a scratch on the cornea’s surface, often caused by a foreign object getting into the eye.
• Blepharitis — Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that causes swelling and soreness, as well crusts around the base of the eyelashes.
• Allergies — Allergies, including allergic conjunctivitis, can be triggered by pollen or other allergens. Common symptoms associated with eye allergies include redness, swelling and a burning sensation in the eyes.
• Sunburned eyes — The cornea may develop a sunburn from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Many types of eyeglasses feature coatings that protect the eyes from UV radiation.
• Pinguecula and pterygium — These are growths that appear on the conjunctiva of the eye.
• Sjögren syndrome — This autoimmune disorder mostly affects people over age 40 and causes dry eyes.

Treatment for Gritty Eyes

Your first stop should be a visit to your eye doctor, where the cause and an appropriate course of treatment will be determined. Treatment may include specific types of eye drops or ointments, applying warm compress, or switching to eyeglasses if you’re wearing contacts. 

You can help prevent gritty eyes by wearing protective eyewear, regularly washing your hands and taking periodic eye breaks at work or when reading. Using artificial tears can help prevent the gritty sensation caused by dryness.

If you need help with gritty eyes or need an optometrist for protective eyewear, call Six One Six Vision Center at (208) 514-1858 or schedule online anytime. We serve customers in Eagle and Meridian, ID.