What common condition may cause foreign body sensation in the eye?

The sensation of having a foreign body in the eye is often associated with allergic conjunctivitis. This condition occurs when the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids, becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction. Common allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander can trigger this response, leading to symptoms that include itching, redness, swelling, and a gritty or foreign body sensation as if something is in the eye.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned do not typically lead to foreign body sensation. Astigmatism primarily causes visual distortion and discomfort due to the irregular shape of the cornea or lens, but it does not usually create a sensation of something in the eye. Macular degeneration affects central vision and can lead to visual impairment, yet it does not present with sensory disturbances. Retinal detachment, although a serious condition that can lead to vision loss, usually presents with symptoms like flashes or floaters, rather than a foreign body sensation.