If you have you ever had the sensation that something was in your eye, but despite your best efforts, you were unable to really see anything there? This phenomenon, which is referred to as foreign particle sensation (FBS), can be a bothersome and even unpleasant experience.
Dry eye syndrome is one of the numerous factors that can lead to FBS according to our Sydney Eye Clinic specialist at Personal Eyes centre, but it is one of the most prevalent. Dry eye syndrome is a visual disease that may wreak havoc on your comfort level, but an optometrist can help you find relief by doing a full eye exam as well as an examination of your dry eye condition.
Even if it’s not the only thing that may make you feel FBS, having dry eyes has been more frequent in recent years, owing in part to the increasingly digital environment we live in today.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the effects that dry eye syndrome has on your eyes, including additional disorders that might cause you to have the sensation that something is stuck in your eye.
An Investigation into the Source of That Unfamiliar Particle Feeling
Having the impression that something is embedded in your eye can be a frustrating experience, particularly if it is accompanied by pain or other distressing symptoms. When you first detect that unfamiliar feeling in your eye, dry eye syndrome should probably be your first line of investigation.
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes do not create enough water to keep lubricated or when something has gone wrong with the manufacturing process of oil gland, generating an unstable tear film.
Dry eye syndrome can also develop when your eyes do not produce enough water to stay lubricated. Your tear film is an essential component in ensuring that your eyes continue to be in good condition, retain their clarity, and feel comfortable.
Your tear film is disrupted when you have dry eye syndrome, which results in portions of the surface of your eyes becoming dehydrated. Your eyelid rubs across your sensitive eye with every blink, which may be extremely painful and irritating, and can even cause your eye to sting or burn.
Dry eye syndrome is a complicated illness that can have a wide variety of origins. Therefore, the first thing you should do to solve your issue is make an appointment with an eye doctor to have a comprehensive eye exam. This will allow your eye doctor to determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes, which can be one of the following: inflammation allergies medication use meibomian gland dysfunction auto-immune condition
When your eye care specialist has determined the root cause of your dry eyes, the following stage in the process will be to develop a bespoke treatment plan that will assist you in obtaining some kind of relief.
Options for Treating Dry Eyes: Sydney Eye Clinic Specialist
Eye drops include medication in addition to synthetic tears.
When dealing with dry eyes, it is essential to replenish the moisture and lubrication that your eyes have lost, and one way to do this is using a form of eye drop known as artificial tears. A good number of them are based on hyaluronic acid and offer instantaneous relief.
Medicated eye drops require a doctor’s prescription and are administered topically to the eye in order to increase tear production and decrease inflammation.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are very tiny medical devices that are put into a person’s tear ducts in order to slow down the rate at which tears drain from the eyes. These devices are available in a variety of sizes; thus, in order to guarantee that you have a comfortable fit, your eye doctor will measure the aperture of your tear duct.
Lid Wipes and Heating Masks
The malfunction of the meibomian gland, which is responsible for as much as 85 percent of dry eye symptoms, can be treated using heating masks and lid wipes.
This problem can lead to a blockage in the meibomian glands of your eyelids, which are responsible for creating the oils in your tear film that prevent your tears from evaporating too rapidly. If you suffer from this condition, you may be at risk for developing this condition.
Heating masks and lid wipes are effective tools for addressing these obstructions and restoring a normal flow of oils to the tear layer.
Additional Factors That May Be Involved
Although having dry eyes is one of the most prevalent reasons for having the sensation that something is in your eye, this is not the only ailment that can produce this symptom. Let’s take a look at some of the other factors that could be contributing to the pain you’re feeling.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is an infection of the eyelids that can affect anyone. The lash line of your eyelids is the typical location that is affected by this ailment, which is brought on by blocked oil glands.
In addition to FBS, additional indications and symptoms of blepharitis might include the following: redness, tearing, itching, burning or stinging in the eye(s), and sometimes all of these.
If you clean your eyelids and lash line on a regular basis and use a warm compress, you may be able to unclog the gland that is causing your discomfort and get some relief.
Conjunctivitis
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation or infection of the thin membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids and covers the whites of your eyes. This membrane is transparent. Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis.
The inflammation caused by this illness, which is quite prevalent, might give the impression that there is something embedded in your eye. Other manifestations of conjunctivitis include, but are not limited to: burning or stinging sensations; excessive watering of the eyes; discharge; redness; and sensitivity to light.
You could get some comfort by using a cold compress or using a moist cloth. If you feel you have pink eye or conjunctivitis, it is recommended to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Conjunctivitis may be highly contagious and may at times require antibiotic treatment.
Corneal Injuries
Injuries to the cornea include abrasions and any other type of damage that affects the cornea. A damage to the cornea of your eye might leave you with the persistent feeling that there is something alien in your eye. Other possible symptoms include: vision problems (such as double vision or loss of eyesight), headaches, redness, and sensitivity to light.
A slight lesion to the cornea can heal on its own, and you can ease any discomfort or irritation caused by the injury by using a cold compress many times during the day. If the injury to your cornea is more severe, you should get medical attention from an eye doctor.
Your Comfort Is the Most Important Aspect
It is common to experience discomfort, aggravation, or even pain when something alien is felt to be present in one’s eye. There are a number of illnesses that can generate symptoms that are very similar to those of a foreign particle feeling. Because of this, it is vital to see an eye care specialist before making any decisions.
Make an appointment for an eye check-up at any one of our Sydney Eye Clinics we have in order to determine the source of that strange particle feeling.
Lastly
If you are having any question or inquiry about how to have a correct vision, cataract surgery, Laser eye surgery, laser vision correction, diabetic retinopathy, franzco medical retina, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, normally clear lens, vision loss, retinal conditions, short sightedness, – you should get in touch with us via our Personal Eyes website to book your free assessment today.
Consider the factors outlined in this blog post, weigh the pros and cons, and most importantly, consult with a Sydney cataract surgeon at Personal Eyes before making the final decision.