Symptom
Feeling of something in the eye
Chemical splash or high-speed injury needs urgent care
Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review
About this review
This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.
When to get urgent help
- Something hit the eye at speed or a chemical or metal fragment splashed in
- Severe pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision after the sensation started
- The feeling persists after gentle rinsing and you cannot see a visible object
- A red, painful eye with discharge after contact lens wear
Common causes
The feeling of something in the eye can be real or due to surface irritation. These are common linked conditions.
What can help
- Rinse gently with clean water or saline if you think dust is in the eye
- Try lubricating drops for a gritty dry-eye feeling, but avoid if you suspect a penetrating injury
- Do not rub, and remove contact lenses if worn
- See an optometrist or urgent care if rinsing does not help or vision is affected
Frequently asked questions
Why does my eye feel like something is in it when nothing is there?
Dry eye, blepharitis and minor corneal irritation often cause a foreign-body sensation without a visible object. Lubricating drops and lid hygiene may help, but persistent symptoms need checking.
Should I try to remove something from my eye myself?
You can gently rinse dust from the surface with clean water. Do not try to remove embedded metal, glass or anything that will not rinse away. Cover the eye and seek urgent care.
Can contact lenses cause a something-in-eye feeling?
Yes. A dirty, damaged or dry lens, or sleeping in lenses, can cause grittiness and irritation. Remove the lens and do not reinsert if the eye is painful or red.
Trusted sources
For general background, these organisations provide eye-health information. This list is further reading, not a record that they reviewed this article.