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A-Z Glossary

Table of Contents

Foreign Body Sensation

Danielle Stoken
Written byDanielle Stoken
Danielle Stoken
Danielle StokenEye Health & Wellness ContributorPittsburgh, PA

Bio

I was so excited when I learned about CorneaCare and am honored to share content, tips and stories about dry eye! I am a certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative nutrition so the intersection of nutrition/lifestyle and dry eye disease is one that I am particularly passionate about. Since recently becoming a mom, I care even more about my eye care and self-care and am learning so much through CorneaCare's educational resources.

Get to know me a little better!

Hobby: baking sourdough bread
Food: pasta
Superhero: my dad
Guilty pleasure: cold brew coffee (really, any coffee)
Secret power: serious facial recognition/recollection

Training:

Undergraduate: Carnegie Mellon University
Nutrition training: Institute for Integrative Nutrition

  • Last updated December 16, 2022

What is Foreign Body Sensation?

Foreign body sensation is a feeling that something is in your eye. In some cases, there may actually be something in your eye. However, in other cases, the sensation is due to an eye condition.¹ 

Some people may complain that it feels like there is “sand in the eye” or mention a gritty feeling. Blinking or using artificial tears may help expel the foreign body if one exists. Oftentimes, the sensation results from damage to the cornea, conjunctiva or eyelids, and there is actually nothing in your eye. 

Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose the cause and direct a treatment plan depending on the source. 

Key Points

  • Foreign body sensation occurs due to a foreign object on the eye surface or an eye condition that creates a feeling that something is in your eye. 
  • Dry eye disease sufferers often experience foreign body sensation due to ocular surface damage from lack of tears or clogged eyelid glands.
  • Your eye doctor will be able to diagnose the cause and direct a treatment plan depending on the source.
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Understanding Foreign Body Sensation

Foreign body sensation can cause you to feel as if there is something in your eye. You may also experience watery eyes, redness or discharge.² 

Foreign body sensation may result from an eyelash, dirt or other debris on the cornea or conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the white part of the eye), or stuck under the eyelid.²

While your tears can naturally expel the object, sometimes a corneal abrasion (scratch) occurs. A scratch on the cornea further irritates the eye and can cause the feeling of something in your eye.

Dry Eye Disease and Foreign Body Sensation

People who have chronic dry eyes (dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome) often experience foreign body sensation. 

Common causes of dry eye disease include meibomian gland dysfunction (dysfunction in the glands needed to maintain a healthy tear film) and decreased tear production. Dry eye disease can damage the ocular surface, which can cause the feeling that something’s in your eye, especially when the eyelid glides over the surface.³ 

Also, the lack of tears creates friction between the inner eyelid and the cornea, creating the sensation that there’s an object in your eye.

Treatment

Treatment for foreign body sensation depends on the cause. When there is a foreign body, you can try artificial tear eye drops to flush it out.

If dry eyes are the cause, you may find relief with a warm compress, eyelid wipes and preservative-free artificial tears. 

If you cannot locate a foreign object and the sensation persists, make an appointment to see an eye doctor. Your eye doctor will review your history and additional symptoms, as well as perform an eye exam to look for other eye conditions or abrasions to the cornea.² 

If your eye doctor locates a corneal abrasion, they will prescribe antibiotic eye drops, which should provide relief in a few days.²

Bibliography

  1. “Eye Terminology for Eye Technicians.” Allergan TechAlliance, https://www.allergantechalliance.com/Eye-Conditions/EyeCare-Terminology. Accessed 28 April 2022.
  2. Murchison, Ann P. “Corneal Abrasions and Foreign Bodies – Injuries; Poisoning.” Merck Manuals, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/eye-trauma/corneal-abrasions-and-foreign-bodies. Accessed 28 April 2022.
  3. “Foreign Body Sensation.” NOT A DRY EYE Foundation, https://www.notadryeye.org/all-about-dry-eye-syndrome/symptoms-of-dry-eye-syndrome-and-related-conditions/foreign-body-sensation/. Accessed 28 April 2022.

 

Related Terms

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Stye

is an inflamed oil gland on the margin of the eyelid around the eyelashes

Scotopic Vision

refers to your eyes’ ability to see in low light levels

Intraocular

refers to within the eye

Trichiasis

is a lid margin disorder in which the eyelashes that arise from their normal position are misdirected toward the ocular surface

Chemosis

is the swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane over the eyelids and the surface of the eye

Accommodation Disorder

also known as accommodative dysfunction, is any problem with the focusing power of the eye

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