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Feels like something is stuck in the eye

Also called: Foreign body sensation, gritty eye, corneal abrasion

Feeling like something is stuck in your eye is often caused by dry eye, a speck of dust, an eyelash, or a scratch on the cornea. Rinsing the eye and blinking usually helps. Metal, chemicals, a high-speed object, or pain and blurred vision that don't go away need prompt care.

Common causesDry eye, dust, eyelash, corneal scratch, contact lens problems
Usually serious?Usually not
Get checked ifPain or blurry vision lasts, or metal or chemicals got in
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

The cornea, the clear front of the eye, is very sensitive. A small speck, a scratch, or dryness can feel like a large object. You may have tearing, redness, light sensitivity, and blinking.

A scratch (corneal abrasion) usually heals in a day or two. An object that hits the eye at high speed, like metal from grinding or hammering, can go into the eye and needs emergency care. Contact lens wearers are at risk of corneal ulcers.

When to get medical care

Call 911A chemical splash: rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes, then call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). An object stuck in the eye or something hit the eye at high speed. Bleeding in the eye or a change in the shape of the pupil.
Get care todaySomething you can't rinse out. Pain, redness, or blurry vision that lasts after rinsing. A white spot on the cornea. Pain in a contact lens wearer. Light sensitivity that doesn't improve.
See a doctor soonA gritty feeling that keeps coming back (possible dry eye). Eyelid bumps or crusting.

Causes

Common causes include dry eye, dust or sand, an eyelash, a corneal scratch, contact lens problems, and pink eye. Other causes include an inward-turning eyelash, blepharitis, a stye, corneal ulcer, and a metal or other object in the eye.

OwieClear has pages on 3 conditions that can cause feels like something is stuck in the eye. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

What you can do at home

  • Don't rub the eye.
  • Rinse with clean water or saline for several minutes, or use an eyewash.
  • Blink several times, or pull the upper lid over the lower lid.
  • Remove contact lenses.
  • Use artificial tears for dryness.
  • Wear safety glasses when grinding, cutting, or using tools.

Medicines

Lubricating drops help dry eye. A provider may prescribe antibiotic drops for a scratch. Don't use numbing drops at home, and don't patch the eye unless told to.

At the doctor

The provider will look for something in the eye or a scratch.

Questions you may be asked

  • What happened and when
  • Metal, chemicals, or high-speed objects
  • Contact lens use
  • Vision changes or pain

The exam

An eye exam, flipping the eyelid and using fluorescein dye under a blue light.

Tests

  • An X-ray or CT if metal may be inside the eye

Prevention

You can protect your eyes.

  • Wear safety glasses
  • Follow contact lens care directions
  • Use artificial tears for dry eye

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.