Do you constantly feel like there’s sand in your eyes, even when you know there isn’t? This sensation, commonly known as gritty eyes, is usually easy to treat. However, it can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the possible causes of gritty eyes and ways you can find relief.
1. Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye is a leading cause of gritty eyes. Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as age, certain medications, environmental factors, or certain medical conditions. Several factors can lead to dry eye, such as age, certain medications, environmental factors, hormonal changes, or specific medical conditions.
If you think dry eye might be causing your gritty eyes, you could try using artificial tears or finding ways to reduce dryness, such as using a humidifier and taking breaks from screens. Our eye doctor can figure out what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the best dry eye treatment in Keene for your specific case.
2. Allergies
Another possible cause of gritty eyes is an allergic reaction. When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine, which can lead to inflammation and irritation in your eyes. The reaction could happen because of allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander or even an allergic response to your contact lens solution. The best approach is to figure out what causes your reaction and avoid it as much as you can. You can also try antihistamines or eye drops prescribed by your eye doctor to ease the symptoms.
3. Environmental factors
Gritty eyes can also be caused by environmental factors like wind, smoke, air conditioning, and certain chemicals. These irritants can make your eyes feel uncomfortable. Also, spending too much time staring at digital screens can strain your eyes and make them feel dry and gritty.
4. Infections and other causes
If you have gritty eyes, it could be due to an infection or an eye injury, which can be serious and should be checked out by a doctor right away. Other possible reasons for gritty eyes include hormonal changes, some medications, and nutritional deficiencies.
If you’re dealing with gritty eyes, it’s crucial to visit an eye doctor to find out what’s causing it. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage to your eyes and improve your overall eye health.
Our eye doctor in Keene, New Hampshire specializes in diagnosing and treating many eye conditions, including dry eye. We offer a range of treatments to help you find relief and improve your overall eye health, including advanced in-office treatments that can help improve tear quality and reduce dryness and discomfort. Book an appointment with us today and let us help you find the right solution for your eye health.