Foreign body sensation
Foreign body sensation
Foreign body sensation refers to the uncomfortable feeling that something is stuck in your eye, even when there may be nothing present. This may feel like a sharp or scratchy irritation and is often accompanied by watering, redness, or blinking.
Common symptoms
These symptoms may vary depending on the root cause of the sensation. If you are experiencing foreign body sensation in the eye, you may also notice:
- Discomfort or a gritty feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Eye redness
- Sensitivity to light (Photophobia)
- Blurred vision
- Increased blinking or eyelid twitching
- Pain in or around the eye
What causes a foreign body sensation?
While many cases are due to minor particles like dust or sand entering the eye, there are also non-obvious causes where nothing is physically present in the eye. The sensation may stem from inflammation, dryness, infection, or mechanical irritation caused by other eye conditions.
Conditions
Early intervention can prevent complications such as scarring or vision loss.
Chalazion or Stye
These are small lumps that form along the eyelid due to blocked oil glands or bacterial infection. They may lead to pressure on the eye surface, causing a sensation of a foreign body. Other symptoms may include:
- Eyelid swelling
- Tenderness or pain
- Tearing
- Crusting around the eyelid
Diagnosis
If flushing the eye with water does not relieve your symptoms, you should seek professional care. At Eagle Eye Centre, our ophthalmologists will perform a thorough evaluation, which may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Slit lamp examination
- Corneal staining
- Eye pressure measurement
- Tear film evaluation
These tests help determine whether the sensation is due to a physical object or an underlying eye condition.
Treatments
Our treatment plans are personalised for comfort, recovery, and long-term eye health. The appropriate treatment depends on the identified cause.
Lubricating eye drops
for dry eyes
Warm compresses
to soothe styes or chalazia
Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory drops
for infections
Lid hygiene
instructions for blepharitis
Surgical removal
(in rare cases) for persistent pterygia or other growths
Bandage contact lenses or ointments
to protect the cornea in abrasion cases
Treatments
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In Singapore’s urban environment, foreign body sensation is a common concern due to frequent exposure to air pollution, allergens, and screen time. Early assessment is important to prevent progression to serious conditions like corneal ulcers or chronic dry eye.