Most people are shocked to learn “eye stones” exist—after all, how could such a tiny, sensitive organ develop something that sounds so solid? The good news: these “stones” (officially called conjunctival concretions) aren’t actual rocks—but they can still cause big discomfort if left unaddressed.
Conjunctival concretions are small, hard deposits made from degenerated conjunctival cells, mucus, and keratin fragments—waste products that build up under the conjunctiva (the thin, clear membrane covering your eyeball and inner eyelids). At first, they’re tiny and hidden, so you won’t feel them. But when they push through the membrane’s surface, they form rough bumps that irritate the eyelids, scratch the cornea, or even cause minor erosion.
Common symptoms include:
- A “foreign body” sensation (like something’s stuck in your eye)
- Stinging, burning, or pain
- Redness or mild swelling
- Blurred vision (if the concretion rubs against the cornea)
Yes— and it’s simple! Most cases are handled in a doctor’s office: using numbing eye drops, your provider will gently lift the concretion out with a tiny needle or scalpel. If the deposits are small and don’t bother you, no treatment is needed.
The catch? Eye stones often come back if you don’t fix the habits that caused them.
These everyday behaviors trigger inflammation or debris buildup—directly leading to conjunctival concretions:
When you’re glued to phones, laptops, or TVs, you blink 50% less often (normal blink rate: 15-20 times per minute). Less blinking means less tear production, which dries out the conjunctiva. Over time, dry eye creates the perfect environment for waste to clump into stones.
Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow leave tiny powder or oil residues if not fully removed. These irritate the conjunctiva, clog oil glands, and attract bacteria—all of which boost your risk of concretions.
Even “extended-wear” lenses reduce oxygen flow to your eyes and trap debris against the conjunctiva. This dries out the membrane and speeds up waste buildup.
Rubbing (especially with dirty hands) breaks down conjunctival cells, pushes debris deeper into the membrane, and spreads bacteria. It’s a triple threat for stone formation.
The key to stopping eye stones is fighting inflammation and debris buildup. Here’s exactly what to do:
Dry eye is the biggest trigger for concretions—so keeping your eyes hydrated is non-negotiable:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reset your blink rate.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears: These 补充 moisture without irritating sensitive eyes.
- Try warm compresses: Apply a damp, warm washcloth to closed eyes for 5-10 minutes daily. This melts oil gland blockages (a top dry eye cause) and boosts blood flow to the conjunctiva.
Dust, sand, and wind can scratch the conjunctiva or push debris into the membrane—triggering inflammation.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses on windy/dusty days to block particles.
- If something gets in your eye: Don’t rub! Blink rapidly to let tears flush it out, or use a sterile saline rinse if needed.
Leftover eye makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria and debris. Use an oil-based remover to dissolve waterproof products—then wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove all residue.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning and storing lenses—never use tap water (it contains bacteria that cause inflammation). And always take lenses out before bed: even “extended-wear” options trap waste against the eye.
Bacteria from unwashed hands transfer to the conjunctiva, causing inflammation that speeds up stone formation. Always sanitize your hands before touching your eyes, applying makeup, or handling lenses.
Eye stones might sound scary, but they’re completely preventable with consistent care. By addressing dry eye, avoiding irritants, and keeping your eyes clean, you can stop these pesky concretions before they start—protecting your comfort and vision for years to come.
Don’t let “stones” catch you off guard—your eyes deserve better!
