4 reasons why you should avoid rubbing your eyes
Most of us rub our eyes without thinking - in the morning when we wake up, at the end of the day when we’re tired, or when we need a moment of relief from allergies. While it may offer temporary relief, rubbing your eyes can actually cause more harm than good, with some long-term side effects being surprisingly serious. Here are four reasons why you should avoid rubbing your eyes - and what to do instead.
Risk of infection
Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day; even clean hands carry some bacteria. When you rub your eyes, you risk introducing this bacteria into them and causing infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Even a brief touch can introduce pathogens that thrive in the moist environment around your eyes.
Corneal scratches
Your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body, so when a speck of dust or other debris enters them a natural and instant reaction is to rub them. However, this can result in scratches to the cornea - the clear front surface of the eye. These will only increase discomfort and increase healing time to two or three days. If bacteria enters the abrasion, you may even experience inflammation and infection, requiring treatment from your GP or optometrist.
Worsening allergic reactions
Those with allergies often rub their eyes to try and alleviate symptoms, but this can actually make itchiness and irritation worse. The rubbing action releases more histamines, the chemicals responsible for the inflammatory response, so instead of relief it simply creates more discomfort.
Keratoconus
In extreme cases, frequent and forceful rubbing of the eyes can result in a condition called keratoconus. This occurs when the cornea thins and begins to bulge outward into a cone shape, leading to blurry and distorted vision and/or sensitivity to light. The condition typically begins in the teens or early twenties and worsens over time, but it can be spotted and treated by the best opticians for eye tests.
Safer alternatives for eye relief
If you often find yourself rubbing your eyes, try to be aware of the reason. If it’s caused by dryness or screen use, artificial tears can help to alleviate the problem. You can also try applying a heat pad for ten minutes to help boost circulation and improve oil gland function. If you’re rubbing your eyes due to allergies, you can speak to your GP or optometrist about medications that may help. Your optometrist can also check that there have been no ill effects from rubbing your eyes - simply search ‘best eye test near me’ to find a trusted provider.
Eye care at The Eye Establishment
If you need help with managing symptoms of itchy eyes or are concerned that rubbing has had an impact on your vision, the experts at The Eye Establishment can help. We offer one of the best eye tests in London, examining both your vision and overall eye health, recommending products and treatments to help you take care of your eyes. Book a consultation with us today for specialist advice.