All of us have at some time or other experienced eye irritation. It may present as dryness, itchiness, grittiness, or the feeling that something is in your eye. These symptoms are usually also accompanied by redness or minor puffiness. Although these symptoms are irritating, the good news is that they should improve with simple home remedies or over-the-counter medication.
All the same, if your eye irritation isn’t getting any better after a few days of self-treatment, it’s wise to follow up with a healthcare professional. Sometimes a seemingly small irritation can be a symptom of something more serious that requires the attention of a pro.
Another symptom many complain about is the feeling like something is in the eye, although nothing is. Dry eyes or eyelid inflammation can cause this sensation. Sometimes it truly is something small, such as a piece of dust or an eyelash. But sometimes more severe problems, such as corneal abrasions, infection, or ulcers, may be the cause.
The cornea, the clear outer surface of the front of the eye, is particularly sensitive. A scratch on the cornea, a corneal abrasion, can occur surprisingly easily, either by fingernails, a brush, or even by rubbing your eyes too vigorously. Small abrasions heal in a day or two, but deeper ones will take a little longer.
For more severe injuries like a corneal laceration, quick medical attention is essential to avoid lasting damage to your vision. A laceration is a deeper cut in the cornea and may result from contact with something sharp. Treatment often includes placing a protective shield over the eye and seeing an ophthalmologist. In extreme cases, a corneal transplant might be needed.
Infection can also be a cause. A case in point is fungal keratitis, which may occur after eye trauma or with improper use of contact lenses. It creates the feeling of something being in your eye, and one often needs a prolonged course of an antifungal drug, sometimes for months.
Some diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can lead to chronic eye irritation. This autoimmune disorder disrupts the body’s function to create moisture, leaving the eyes and mouth extremely dry. Burning, itching, blurring of vision, and sensitivity to light are symptoms that may result. Treatment is often achieved by utilizing artificial tears and prescription drops in the eyes to manage pain.
If you think that you have a corneal abrasion, a good first thing to do is rinse your eye out with clean water or saline drops. Don’t touch it, since this can make the problem worse. Doctors usually use numbing drops to safely take out any debris, and can prescribe antibiotic drops to prevent infection.
The recovery time depends on how severe the injury is. Minor scratches will heal within 24 to 48 hours, as cells in your eye heal very quickly. Greater abrasions take more time to heal from. If your condition does not get better after 24 to 48 hours, it is better to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Although eye irritation may be irritating, knowing what to look for and how to deal with it can make a big difference.