Eye color outside of the iris may also be symptomatic of disease. Yellowing of the sclera (the whites of the eyes) is associated with jaundice, and may be symptomatic of liver diseases such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. A blue coloration of the sclera may also be symptomatic of disease.
Dry Eye Syndrome. Dry eye syndrome often causes a sandy, gritty sensation in the morning that usually gets worse throughout the day. Dry eyes of varying severity can cause uncomfortable, irritating symptoms. If your eyes are dry, your eyes may burn much more than they itch.
Eye pain can occur on the surface of your eye or within your eye's deeper structures. Severe eye pain â especially accompanied by any degree of vision loss â may be a signal that you have a serious medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention. Eye pain that's on the surface of your eye might be described as itching, burning or shooting pain. Surface eye pain is often related to a foreign object in your eye, an eye infection, or anything that irritates or inflames the membrane covering the surface of your eye. You might describe eye pain originating deeper within your eye as throbbing or aching.