Have you ever woken up with your eyes feeling like sandpaper? Or maybe they burn and itch throughout the day, making it hard to focus? That dry, scratchy sensation in your eyes—often described as “gritty eyes” or a “foreign body sensation”—can be a sign of dry eye. It could also be caused by allergies, irritation from contact lenses, or even a mild corneal scratch.   

No matter what’s causing that gritty, dry feeling, figuring out the root of the problem is the first step to getting relief. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons your eyes might feel this way and what you can do to start feeling better. 

Common causes of gritty eyes 

1. Dry eye syndrome 

One of the leading causes of that gritty sensation is dry eye syndrome. Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Since tears keep your eyes hydrated and smooth, a lack of them can leave your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and scratchy.  

2. Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) 

Blepharitis typically occurs when the oil glands along your eyelids get clogged, leading to redness, irritation, and a crusty buildup around your lashes. This can cause a gritty feeling as if there’s debris stuck in your eyes. 

3. Too much screen time 

If you spend hours staring at a computer, phone, or TV, your blinking rate naturally decreases. Since blinking helps spread moisture across your eyes, blinking less often can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and scratchy. 

4. Allergies 

If your eyes are constantly itchy, red, and watery, especially during certain seasons, you might be dealing with allergies. Pollen, pet dander, and dust can trigger an allergic reaction that makes your eyes feel inflamed and irritated. Even though allergies can make your eyes water, those tears aren’t always effective at keeping them hydrated. 

5. Contact lenses 

Wearing contact lenses for long hours can make your eyes feel dry, especially if you’re using lenses that don’t allow enough oxygen to reach your cornea. Some contact materials also absorb moisture from your eyes, worsening the issue. 

6. Weather and environment 

Windy days, dry indoor heating, and air conditioning can all dry out your eyes. If you’ve ever walked outside on a cold, blustery day and immediately felt like your eyes were drying out, you’ve experienced this firsthand. 

7. Corneal scratches or foreign objects 

Sometimes, the gritty sensation isn’t from dryness at all. A tiny scratch on your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) or a small piece of dust or debris can cause irritation that feels similar to dry eye symptoms. If one eye feels significantly worse than the other, this might be the cause. 

The best treatment for gritty eyes 

If gritty eyes are affecting your quality of life, you may be able to find relief by following these tips: 

• Use artificial tears – Lubricating eye drops can add moisture and reduce irritation. Look for preservative-free options if you need to use them frequently. 
• Take breaks from screens – Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to prevent digital eye strain. 
• Keep your eyelids clean – If you have blepharitis, a warm compress or eyelid wipes can help unclog oil glands and reduce irritation. 
• Protect your eyes from the elements – Wear sunglasses on windy or sunny days to keep your eyes from drying out. 
• Use a humidifier – Adding moisture to the air in your home can prevent your eyes from getting too dry, especially in winter. 
• Try warm compresses – Applying a warm washcloth to your eyes for a few minutes can help stimulate tear production and unclog oil glands. 

When to see an eye doctor for gritty eyes 

Occasional dryness and irritation are normal, but if your eyes constantly feel gritty or painful, or if your vision is affected, it’s time to get them checked out. Left untreated, chronic dry eye or other underlying conditions can lead to more serious problems, including inflammation or damage to the cornea.  

At Bella Vista Family Eye Care, we can help identify the cause of your symptoms and find the best treatment for lasting relief. If dry eye is the culprit, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Rockford, MI, including OptiLight IPL therapy, to improve tear production and keep your eyes comfortable. Schedule an appointment with our experts today!