Dry eye can be caused by a wide array of factors, including aging, medication, surgery, environmental conditions, and underlying diseases. Some of the most common conditions that may cause your eyelids to feel like sandpaper include:
That feeling like there’s sand in your eyes is often linked to Dry Eye Syndrome. This condition is characterized by our tear ducts failing to produce as many tears as we age, leaving the eye’s surface dry and vulnerable. Without a stable tear film, the eyelids rub directly against the cornea, causing irritation and the sensation of grittiness.
People often describe the sensation as a scratching feeling in the eye—it’s not just uncomfortable, it can also make your vision blurry or lead to redness and more frequent eye infections. It’s a common issue, but once you know what’s causing it, you can start finding ways to feel better.
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that can cause the immune system to damage healthy tissue. This includes the glands responsible for producing moisture, such as the tear glands in the eyes and the salivary glands in the mouth. That’s why dry eyes are one of its most common signs. You might also notice red eyes, the trouble wearing contact lenses, blurry vision, a gritty or burning feeling, sensitivity to light, dry mouth, fatigue, or even joint pain.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, often common in people who have oily skin, rosacea or dandruff. Blepharitis disrupts the delicate balance of the tear film, causes direct irritation to the eye’s surface, and can lead to secondary dry eye. All these factors contribute to the development of gritty eyes.
Prolonged exposures to sun or tanning beds without eye protection may damage eye function. When your eyes or eyelids get sunburn, it can leave them feeling gritty because the cornea gets damaged and inflamed, and the tear film may be disrupted. Redness in the conjunctiva (the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye) is often one of the first signs. If this happens after being out in the sun, find some shade, stay out of direct sunlight, and see an eye doctor if the discomfort doesn’t improve or gets worse.
Seasonal allergies, caused by airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites, can often trigger your body to release histamine, inflaming the eyes and tear glands (allergic conjunctivitis). This inflammation can dry out your eyes by making your tears evaporate faster or reducing how many tears you produce. On top of that, the itchiness from allergies often makes people rub their eyes, which only makes the gritty feeling worse.
A variety of treatments are used to battle the discomfort of gritty eyes. The best treatment for your gritty eyes depends on what’s causing the condition. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect if you’re diagnosed with one of the conditions we have described earlier:
As a person with ommetaphobia, I truly appreciated his demeanor, his patience, and his knowledge. (And I've kissed a few frogs.)
ReviewsDoctor was good and helpful about my concerns, I wanted there trial contacts fittings. But wasn’t able to get it because I couldn’t remove contacts myself.. which is mandatory. Due too liability issues I understand..
ReviewsGreat service. Everyone is very attentive. Dr.Cooney is very easy going and explains all questions with proper respect.
ReviewsWhen you need help with eye vision problems in the Downtown Manhattan area, the ophthalmologists at Eye Physicians are experts in dry, gritty eyes treatment as well as a full range of other eye services for you and your children. Dr. Richard F. Spaide and Dr. Michael J. Cooney are board-certified award-winning leaders in their fields with decades of experience providing effective, comprehensive eye care options to make sure you enjoy long-term, clear, and pain-free vision.
Seeking gritty eyes treatment early is vital to resolving the pain and disruption in your daily life. Remember, gritty eyes may be a symptom of some underlying condition that requires immediate attention. It’s particularly vital if your eyes sustained an injury or the painful, gritty sensation came on suddenly. For dry, gritty eyes treatment in NYC, contact Eye Physicians at (212) 292-4814 or visit our clinic located at 110 Lafayette St, Suite 503, Manhattan.
Eye Physicians
110 Lafayette St, Suite 503
New York, NY 10013
(212) 292-4814
Entrust the care of your precious eyesight to highly skilled and experienced eye care professionals. For top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists in Downtown Manhattan, choose Eye Physicians. Eye Physicians ensures prompt care, precise diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans.
Schedule an Appointment