What Should I Do If I Feel Something in My Eye but Can’t See It?

Few things are as irritating - or concerning - as feeling like something is stuck in your eye when you can’t see anything there. That scratchy, burning, or foreign-body sensation can make it hard to focus, blink comfortably, or even keep your eye open. While it’s tempting to rub your eye or try to flush it out immediately, doing the wrong thing can sometimes make the problem worse.

Here’s what you should know - and what to do - if you feel something in your eye but can’t see it.

Common Reasons You Feel Something in Your Eye

That uncomfortable sensation doesn’t always mean there’s an actual object stuck in your eye. Some common causes include:

Dry Eye Syndrome - When your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears, the surface of the eye can become irritated. This often feels like grit, sand, or a lash in the eye - even when nothing is there.

Minor Corneal Scratches - A tiny scratch on the cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) can cause significant discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light. These scratches can come from contact lenses, rubbing your eyes, or even debris you didn’t notice.

Allergies - Eye allergies can cause inflammation, itching, and a persistent foreign-body sensation, especially during allergy season.

Trapped Debris Under the Eyelid - Sometimes a small particle becomes lodged under your upper eyelid. You may not see it by looking in the mirror, but you’ll feel it every time you blink.

Eye Strain or Digital Eye Fatigue - Extended screen time can reduce blinking and dry out your eyes, leading to irritation and the feeling that something is stuck.

What You Should Do Right Away

If you feel something in your eye but can’t see it, take these steps first:

• Avoid rubbing your eye. Rubbing can worsen irritation or turn a minor issue into a corneal scratch.

• Blink several times. This may help your natural tears wash out irritants.

• Use preservative-free artificial tears. Lubricating drops can soothe irritation and help flush out tiny particles.

• Rinse gently with clean water or saline. If available, use sterile saline solution rather than tap water.

What Not to Do

Some common reactions can actually cause harm:

• Don’t try to remove anything with tissues, cotton swabs, or your fingers.

• Don’t continue wearing contact lenses if discomfort persists.

• Don’t ignore ongoing pain, redness, or blurry vision.

When to See an Eye Doctor

You should schedule an eye exam if:

• The sensation lasts more than a day

• You experience worsening pain or redness

• Your vision becomes blurry or light-sensitive

• You feel like something is stuck no matter what you try

• You wear contact lenses and symptoms don’t improve quickly

An eye doctor can examine the surface of your eye, check under your eyelids, and identify issues that aren’t visible at home. Early evaluation helps prevent complications and speeds up relief.

When Your Eyes Feel Off, Expert Care Makes the Difference

Feeling like something is in your eye when you can’t see anything is surprisingly common - and often treatable. While dryness, irritation, or minor scratches are frequent culprits, persistent discomfort shouldn’t be ignored. Gentle care and timely evaluation can protect your eye health and get you comfortable again quickly.

If you’re experiencing ongoing eye irritation or a persistent foreign-body sensation, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Hedges Eye Care.  Visit our office in Newberry, Florida, or call (352) 306-1103 to book an appointment today.