Eye condition

The grit factor: why your eyes feel like they have sand in them

13 August 2026

It's an unpleasant sensation – your eyes are uncomfortable and feel as though a piece of grit or sand is stuck in them, creating a rough, scratchy feel. In many cases, the cause is through simply having dry eyes, which isn't serious and can be managed with solutions from your optometrist.

What does a gritty eye feel like?

Dry eyes can be unpleasant and sometimes painful - feeling gritty, sore and looking red. Environmental factors, illness or medicines are just some of the factors that can leave you feeling as though your eyes are gritty. It happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or they lack the oily layer that prevents them from drying out, making them feel dry and irritated.

Why do my eyes feel gritty? Common causes

Dry eyes that can feel gritty can be caused by several factors, including:

Airborne pollen and dust
Traffic exhaust fumes
Very bright sunlight or sunburned eyes
Prolonged screen use
Dry air from air conditioning or central heating
If the weather is windy, dry or dusty
Spending time in smoky, dry or dusty environments
Allergies such as hay fever
Certain medication
Tiredness
Minor eyelid inflammation, a common condition called blepharitis
High chlorine count in swimming pools
Hormonal changes can cause a woman’s tear layer to dry up

How do you get rid of gritty eyes?

The good news is that gritty or dry eyes can be easily managed in a few ways, including:

Using lubricating eye drops
Cleaning your eyelids every day
Staying well-hydrated
Taking regular screen breaks – and position your computer screen just below eye level
Avoid bright or glaring light – and ensure you have enough light when reading
Looking after your contact lenses and wearing glasses to rest your eyes if required
Consider using a humidifier to stop the air around you from drying out

Importantly, try to avoid rubbing or touching your eyes to avoid the risk of a secondary infection.

When should I see an eye care professional?

Eyecare professionals such as optometrists can examine your eyes for dry eye and recommend an appropriate treatment such as drops to help manager your dry eye. If you have watery eyes or they feel dry/gritty then booking an eye test could be your next step.