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.
Your eyes may feel irritated or gritty. Eye pain may be accompanied by blurred vision, itching, redness, dry eyes, or watery eyes. Eye pain may result from trauma, allergies, and infections of the eye area, or from more generalized conditions, including migraine, upper respiratory infections, and sinus problems. The most obvious cause of eye pain is a direct injury, such as a cut or blunt impact to the eye area.