Sandpaper Eyes? Why Your Lids Are Burning & Medically Approved Pink Eye Next Steps

If your eyes feel gritty, itchy, or like there's sand trapped under your lids, you're not imagining it. That "sandpaper" sensation is common with pink eye—also called conjunctivitis. While pink eye is usually mild and treatable, it can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, contagious.

Here's what you need to know about why your eyes are burning, what type of pink eye you might have, and the medically recommended next steps.

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What Is Pink Eye?

Pink eye is inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye and lines your eyelids. When it becomes irritated or infected, blood vessels swell and become more visible. That's what gives the eye its pink or red appearance.

Pink eye can affect one or both eyes and is common in both children and adults.

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Why Do My Eyes Feel Like Sandpaper?

That gritty, burning sensation usually happens because the surface of your eye is inflamed. When the conjunctiva is irritated:

• Tear production may change.
• The tear film becomes unstable.
• The eyelid rubs against an inflamed surface.
• Mucus or discharge builds up.

This creates that dry, scratchy, or sandy feeling.

Other common symptoms of pink eye include:

• Redness in one or both eyes
• Itching
• Burning
• Watery eyes
• Thick discharge (clear, white, yellow, or green)
• Crusting on the lashes, especially after sleep
• Mild light sensitivity
• Swollen eyelids

The exact symptoms depend on the type of pink eye you have.

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The 3 Main Types of Pink Eye

Not all pink eye is the same. Identifying the type helps guide treatment.

1. Viral Pink Eye (Most Common)

Viral pink eye is often linked to the same viruses that cause colds.

Typical signs:

• Watery discharge
• Redness
• Gritty feeling
• Often starts in one eye and spreads to the other
• May occur with a sore throat or runny nose

Viral pink eye is highly contagious. It usually clears up on its own within 1–2 weeks.

There is no antibiotic treatment for viral pink eye. Supportive care is key.

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2. Bacterial Pink Eye

This type is caused by bacteria and is more common in children.

Typical signs:

• Thick yellow or green discharge
• Eyelids stuck shut in the morning
• Redness
• Mild discomfort

Bacterial pink eye may improve on its own, but antibiotic eye drops are often prescribed to shorten the duration and reduce spread.

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3. Allergic Pink Eye

Allergic pink eye happens when your eyes react to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.

Typical signs:

• Intense itching
• Watery discharge
• Both eyes affected
• Swollen eyelids
• Often happens seasonally

Unlike viral or bacterial pink eye, allergic pink eye is not contagious.

If you're experiencing itchy, watery eyes alongside sneezing or nasal congestion—especially during allergy season—you may be dealing with more than just pink eye. Use this free Allergic Rhinitis / Allergic Conjunctivitis (Including Spring Catarrh) symptom checker to identify whether your symptoms are allergy-related and get personalized next steps.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for Pink Eye

Here's what eye care professionals typically recommend based on the type of pink eye.

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✅ If You Suspect Viral Pink Eye

There is no specific antiviral treatment for most cases.

What helps:

• Cool compresses (clean cloth, cool water)
• Artificial tears (preservative-free if possible)
• Avoid contact lenses until fully healed
• Wash hands frequently
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Do not share towels or pillows

Symptoms usually improve within 7–14 days.

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✅ If You Suspect Bacterial Pink Eye

A doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

While waiting for care:

• Gently clean discharge with warm water and a clean cloth
• Wash hands often
• Avoid eye makeup
• Replace contact lenses and cases after recovery

If prescribed antibiotics, use the full course—even if symptoms improve quickly.

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✅ If You Suspect Allergic Pink Eye

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and exposure.

Helpful steps:

• Avoid known allergens
• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Use air filters if possible
• Try artificial tears to rinse allergens from the eye
• Use antihistamine or anti-inflammatory eye drops (if recommended by a doctor)

If allergies are frequent or severe, speak to a healthcare provider about long-term management options.

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When Pink Eye Is NOT "Just Pink Eye"

Most pink eye cases are mild. However, some eye symptoms can signal something more serious.

Seek urgent medical care if you have:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden vision changes
• Light sensitivity that is intense
• Thick discharge with worsening swelling
• A history of eye injury
• A weakened immune system
• Symptoms in a newborn

These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection or eye condition that needs immediate treatment.

Do not ignore worsening symptoms. Speak to a doctor promptly.

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Is Pink Eye Always Contagious?

No.

• Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious.
• Allergic pink eye is not.

If you have contagious pink eye:

• Stay home from school or work until advised it's safe to return.
• Avoid close contact.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Disinfect shared surfaces.

Good hygiene dramatically reduces spread.

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Can I Wear Contact Lenses With Pink Eye?

No.

Remove contact lenses immediately if you develop symptoms. Wearing lenses can:

• Worsen irritation
• Delay healing
• Increase risk of complications

Wait until symptoms are completely gone and a doctor says it's safe before resuming use. Replace lenses and the storage case to prevent reinfection.

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How Long Does Pink Eye Last?

It depends on the cause:

• Viral pink eye: 1–2 weeks
• Bacterial pink eye: Improves within days with treatment
• Allergic pink eye: Continues as long as allergen exposure continues

If symptoms last longer than two weeks or worsen instead of improving, consult a healthcare provider.

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Preventing Pink Eye

You can reduce your risk by:

• Washing hands frequently
• Avoiding touching your eyes
• Cleaning makeup brushes regularly
• Replacing old eye makeup
• Not sharing eye products
• Cleaning contact lenses properly
• Managing seasonal allergies

Small habits make a big difference.

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The Bottom Line

That burning, gritty "sandpaper" feeling in your eyes is often a sign of pink eye, but the cause matters. Viral, bacterial, and allergic pink eye each require different next steps.

Most cases are mild and manageable with simple care. However, pink eye should never be ignored if symptoms are severe, painful, or affecting your vision.

If you're unsure whether your symptoms are allergy-related, use this free Allergic Rhinitis / Allergic Conjunctivitis symptom checker to get clarity on what's causing your discomfort and discover the right treatment approach.

And most importantly:

If you experience severe pain, vision changes, worsening symptoms, or if pink eye affects a newborn or someone with a weakened immune system, speak to a doctor immediately. Some eye conditions can threaten vision if not treated promptly.

When it comes to your eyes, it's always better to be cautious than to wait.

Clear vision matters—and getting the right care at the right time makes all the difference.