Crusty Eyes

A gritty eye sensation without visible crust is a distinct condition from crusty eyes and indicates a different nutritional cause. Crusty eyes are caused by vitamin A deficiency, not by a direct eye infection or local eye condition. Low vitamin A causes the eyes to dry out while simultaneously producing thickened mucus, and the combination of both creates the crusty buildup. Crusty eye buildup is especially noticeable after sleeping because the absence of blinking allows mucus to accumulate and dry overnight.