When it comes to maintaining good eye health, there are plenty of dos and don’ts that eye doctors recommend. Many of these tips are widely known, such as wearing sunglasses, taking breaks from screens, and staying hydrated. However, there’s one habit that ophthalmologists and optometrists agree you should never do — and yet, it’s one that people often ignore. This habit is rubbing your eyes.
While it may seem harmless or even soothing, rubbing your eyes can lead to a number of problems, some of which can be quite severe. In this article, we’ll dive into why this seemingly innocent action can be so damaging, how it affects your eye health, and what alternatives you should consider when dealing with irritation or discomfort.
Why Do People Rub Their Eyes?
It’s a common reflex. After all, when your eyes feel itchy, dry, or tired, the immediate response is often to rub them in hopes of alleviating the discomfort. People also tend to rub their eyes when they’re stressed, feeling fatigued, or waking up. In some cases, an individual may rub their eyes without realizing it, as a subconscious reaction to irritation or strain.
Despite how natural it might feel, this habit can cause harm in ways you might not expect.
What Happens When You Rub Your Eyes?
1. Risk of Infection
One of the most significant concerns with rubbing your eyes is that it can introduce harmful germs and bacteria into your eye, leading to infections. Our hands are constantly in contact with various surfaces that harbor bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
- Every time you touch a surface (such as your phone, door handles, or keyboards), you pick up contaminants.
- Rubbing your eyes transfers these microbes directly onto your eyes, which are incredibly sensitive to infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) and keratitis.
2. Damage to the Cornea
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of your eye, and it’s crucial for focusing light. Rubbing your eyes can cause micro-scratches or abrasions on the cornea. Over time, frequent rubbing can lead to more severe damage, including:
- Corneal abrasions: These are tiny scratches on the cornea, which can cause pain, redness, and a gritty feeling in the eye.
- Keratoconus: This is a condition where the cornea becomes thin and bulges outward into a cone shape. It can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light, and in severe cases, may require surgery.
3. Worsening of Allergies
If you suffer from seasonal allergies or any condition that makes your eyes itch, rubbing them can make things worse. When you rub your eyes, you release histamines — chemicals that are responsible for causing itching and swelling during allergic reactions. This only intensifies the symptoms and makes your eyes even itchier.
- Instead of rubbing, try applying a cold compress to the eyes to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can also help relieve allergy-related itching.
4. Increased Risk of Dark Circles and Wrinkles
While the immediate concern is eye health, there are cosmetic downsides to rubbing your eyes as well. The skin around your eyes is incredibly delicate, and rubbing or tugging at it can lead to:
- Dark circles: Constant friction can break the small blood vessels under the skin, resulting in dark circles.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Repeatedly pulling and rubbing can contribute to premature aging in the form of crow’s feet and sagging skin.
Long-Term Consequences of Eye Rubbing
Rubbing your eyes isn’t just a short-term issue. Over time, the accumulated damage can lead to more severe problems that can impact your vision.
Keratoconus Development
As mentioned earlier, keratoconus is a serious condition linked to chronic eye rubbing. In keratoconus, the cornea progressively thins and changes shape, leading to distorted and blurred vision. This condition can worsen over time, and while mild cases can be treated with specialty contact lenses, severe cases might require a corneal transplant.
Increased Eye Pressure
Rubbing your eyes can also cause a temporary increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the fluid pressure inside your eye. For people with glaucoma, a condition where the optic nerve is damaged due to high IOP, this can be particularly dangerous. Even though the pressure increase may be temporary, repeated episodes can aggravate glaucoma or contribute to the risk of developing it.
What To Do Instead of Rubbing Your Eyes
If you feel the urge to rub your eyes, resist! There are healthier and safer alternatives to relieve discomfort. Here’s what eye doctors recommend:
1. Use Artificial Tears
Dryness is one of the most common reasons people rub their eyes. Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate the eyes and provide relief from dryness or irritation without causing damage.
2. Try a Cold Compress
If your eyes are feeling itchy or swollen, a cold compress can reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort. Simply place a cold, damp cloth over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
3. Apply Prescription Eye Drops
If allergies or other chronic conditions are the cause of your irritation, prescription eye drops from an eye doctor can help address the root cause and provide longer-lasting relief.
4. Practice Proper Eye Hygiene
Keeping your hands clean and avoiding contact with your face is one of the best ways to protect your eyes from infections. Also, be mindful of how often you touch your eyes throughout the day and make an effort to minimize it.
Conclusion
Rubbing your eyes may feel like a harmless habit, but in reality, it can lead to infections, damage to your cornea, worsening of allergies, and even long-term conditions like keratoconus. Eye doctors strongly advise against this habit and recommend alternatives like using artificial tears, cold compresses, or prescription drops to manage discomfort. Remember, your eyes are delicate and irreplaceable — take care of them by treating them gently.
The next time you feel the urge to rub your eyes, pause and reach for a healthier solution instead. Your vision will thank you in the long run.