Could That Gritty Feeling in Your Eyes be Dry Eye?

Could That Gritty Feeling in Your Eyes be Dry Eye?

Do your eyes feel gritty like there’s sand stuck in them? This uncomfortable sensation (known as “gritty eyes”) is a common symptom of dry eye disease, a condition that can impact your daily life if left untreated. At TrueVision Eye Care, we help patients in Morrisville, NC, find relief from dry eye symptoms with personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. 

What causes that gritty feeling? 

Gritty eyes are often caused by a lack of moisture on the eye’s surface. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly, it leads to dryness and irritation. Along with grittiness, dry eyes can cause a range of other symptoms, including: 

  • Blurry vision 
  • Redness and inflammation 
  • A burning or stinging sensation 
  • Discomfort with contact lenses 
  • Eye fatigue 
  • Sensitivity to light 
  • Crusty or watery eyes 

Dry eye can have many causes, including extended screen time; environmental factors like wind, dry climates, or indoor heating and air conditioning; or underlying health conditions such as autoimmune diseases. 

When should you see an eye doctor? 

It’s important not to ignore a persistent gritty sensation in your eyes. If your symptoms are ongoing or worsening, it could indicate a more serious issue that requires professional treatment. Without proper treatment, dry eye disease can lead to more significant discomfort and even damage to the eye’s surface. If over-the-counter drops or home remedies aren’t providing relief, it’s time to visit an eye care professional. At TrueVision Eye Care, we can assess your condition and provide effective, personalized dry eye treatment in Morrisville.  

How can you treat dry eyes? 

At TrueVision Eye Care, we take a holistic approach to dry eye treatment. We offer a range of solutions to provide relief, including prescription eye drops, overnight artificial tears and ointments, punctal plugs to help retain natural moisture in your eyes, and the TearCare® system, an innovative in-office procedure that unblocks oil glands in the eyelids.  

We also use advanced treatments like IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality, OCuSOFT® Thermal 1-Touch™ for heat therapy, and prescription nasal spray Tyrvaya to stimulate tear production. For more severe cases, we may recommend amniotic membranes to promote healing on the eye’s surface.  

You don’t have to live with the discomfort and pain of dry eyes. With our range of treatment options, we can create a customized plan to manage your symptoms and restore comfort. Schedule your appointment today at our Morrisville location.