Feeling of something in the eye

Eye irritation: when something's in your eye ‑ or feels like it is

If you feel like something's in your eye, it can be really annoying ‑ and it's impossible to ignore.

Often, dealing with things like eyelashes, dust, sand or grit in eyes needs little more than simple home remedies.

But there are times you may need to seek medical attention. Feeling like something's stuck in your eye is very common. In fact, New Zealand has the highest rate of eye injuries in the world, with foreign objects in the eye being one of the top causes of eye‑related visits. This may be linked to volcanic activity (which throws more ash into the air) as well as the high levels of mosquitos and other insects in bush areas.

Besides eye injuries, there are also quite a few eye conditions that can make it feel like something's in your eye ‑ even if there's nothing visible when you look in a mirror. This is known as 'foreign body sensation'.

What's causing your eye irritation?

1. Eyelash in your eye

It's normal for a few eyelashes to fall out every day. But sometimes they get stuck in the eye.

2. Dust, sand, insects or grit in eye

Tiny particles can easily get in the eye, making your eye feel gritty.

3. Metal or glass particles

These may be thrown into the air in some workplaces or home projects and get into your eyes.

4. Damaged contact lenses

Damaged or lost contact lenses can make your eye feel scratchy and uncomfortable.

5. Chemicals or makeup in eye

Some chemicals and makeup can cause a scratchy feeling in your eye. It may be possible to flush them out with water, but you should seek medical help if symptoms persist. For chemical splashes, rinse your eye with clean water for at least 20 minutes, then go to the emergency department (ED).

6. Dry eye

For some people, the recurrent feeling of gritty eyes is actually a symptom of dry eye syndrome. It’s common and can usually be managed with drops or lifestyle changes.

What to do if there’s something in your eye?

Most of the time your eyes will deal with small objects by themselves ‑ they have some very effective natural 'defences'. They will usually start by producing more tears, which helps flush the object away. Your eyelids will also blink instinctively to start moving the object out of your eye. But there are times when these 'natural' methods don't solve the problem. So, how do you get something out of your eye by yourself safely?

1. Stay calm

Having something on your eyeball can feel very distressing. But try to stay calm. Take a deep breath ‑ with some simple steps most issues can be resolved quickly.

2. Wash your hands

Before putting your fingers near your eye, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

3. Try the blinking method

Very often, eyelashes, dust, sand or grit in eye can be removed quite simply by blinking rapidly. More tears will be produced by the eye as you blink, and this may flush the object out into the part of the eye nearest your nose (called the caruncle). Use a clean tissue or damp cloth to gently wipe it away.

4. Try to flush it out

If blinking doesn’t help, try flushing your eye. Use eyedrops if you have them, apply a few drops and blink quickly. You can also rinse your eye in clean water by filling a bowl deep enough to dip your face in, then opening and closing your eye under the water. Or use running water, like a gentle, lukewarm shower, and let it flow over your eye while you blink.

5. Move your upper eyelid

This method is a bit more invasive, so you should only do it if you're confident. Get a mirror and use your (clean!) fingers to gently lift your upper and lower eyelids to find exactly where the object is. If it's stuck below the upper eyelid, you can gently pull it over the top of your lower eyelid, then let it go ‑ this may help remove the object.

Conditions that can make it feel like something's in your eye

Here are some of the more common eye conditions that can make you feel like there is something in your eye, even when there isn’t. Many of these start with a sandy, gritty or burning sensation.

1. Scratched eye (Corneal abrasion)

A scratch on the eye’s surface can cause redness, pain, watering, blurred vision and a gritty feeling even when nothing is visible.
Learn more about corneal abrasion

2. Dry eye syndrome

Dry eyes can feel gritty or sore. You may wake with sticky lids or blurred vision that clears after blinking. It affects around 1 in 10 over‑45s in NZ.
Learn more about dry eye syndrome

3. Conjunctivitis ('pink eye')

Causes itchy, pink or sticky eyes with a gritty or burning feeling. Lashes may stick together when you wake up.
Learn more about conjunctivitis

4. Blepharitis

Makes your eyelids sore, itchy or crusty. They might be stuck together in the morning. Often linked with dry eye symptoms.
Learn more about blepharitis

5. Corneal ulcer

A sore on the eye often caused by infection or injury. Can cause pain, redness, discharge, blurred vision and light sensitivity.
Learn more about corneal ulcers

6. Pinguecula

A yellow or white bump near the cornea. It can interfere with your tears and lead to dryness or a gritty feeling. This is a harmless growth often linked to sun exposure.
Learn more about pinguecula

7. Pterygium

A pink growth on the eye that may cause irritation or blurry vision. It can change the shape of your cornea as it grows. It is common in people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Learn more about pterygium

How to avoid getting something in your eye

It's not always possible to avoid eye irritation ‑ sometimes it just happens. But there are some things you can do to reduce the chances of getting something stuck in the eye:

Wear eye protection at work

Goggles, glasses or full‑face covers should be provided by your employer if you work in environments where dust, cement particles, glass or metal fragments are in the air.

Appropriate protection

If you're visiting the beach, you're driving along dusty roads, or spending time in areas with lots of small insects (such as a swamp), wear sunglasses and a hat ‑ these can keep many things out of your eyes.

Be careful when using sprays or powders

Hair products, cleaning sprays and powdered makeup can easily get into your eyes. Apply them slowly, in a well‑ventilated area, and keep your eyes closed while using them.