Help! There’s Something in My Eye!

Baptist Eye Surgeons • January 18, 2018

A close up of a woman 's eye with makeup on.Usually when we get something in our eye we’re able to see what and where it is and then carefully remove it by blinking or flushing with water. But if you have the sensation that there’s something in your eye that won’t budge no matter what you try, you may have a corneal abrasion, or scratched eye.

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the clear, protective dome that covers your eye’s pupil and iris. Corneal abrasions can be caused by many common culprits such as dirt, dust, sand, fingernails, wood shavings, paper, metal particles, or by wearing contact lenses too long. Symptoms may show immediately after contact with the object, or may start hours after the injury.

Symptoms that may indicate you have a corneal abrasion include:

  • A gritty feeling in the eye
  • Tearing
  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to the light
  • Headache
  • Blurry vision

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology , there are certain immediate steps you should take if you scratch your eye and others you shouldn’t to avoid further damaging your eye:

 

✓ DO rinse your eye with saline solution or clean water to flush any remaining objects from your eye.

✓ DO blink to help get rid of any bits of dust or sand.

✓ DO pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Your lower eyelid lashes may be able to brush away anything caught underneath your upper eyelid.

✓ DO wear sunglasses if your eye is sensitive to light because of the scratch.

✗ DON’T rub your eye, as this can make the abrasion worse.

✗ DON’T touch your eye with your fingers or cotton swabs. Touching your eye with any object can aggravate the abrasion.

✗ DON’T wear your contact lenses because they can cause complications and slow the healing process.

If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion, or scratched eye, it’s always advised to have your ophthalmologist evaluate your eye. Most corneal abrasions result in temporary irritation that resolves in a day or two, but more serious scratches can result in permanent vision loss. Corneal abrasions can also become infected if left untreated, resulting in a corneal ulcer, or can cause swelling and inflammation of the eyelid. After examining your eye, your ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment or steroid drops to reduce inflammation and the chance of scarring.

With offices in Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN, Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to providing exceptional eye care to patients in order to preserve or restore the gift of sight. Our physicians specialize in a full range of optical care needs, from routine comprehensive eye examinations to diagnosis, treatment, or surgical correction of complex eye diseases. Schedule an appointment with one of our trusted physicians online or by calling 865-579-3920.

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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