We all rub our eyes at least once every day. It could be because your eyes were itchy or feeling tired, or something got inside them. While rubbing your eyes could offer some sense of relief, it could actually cause more harm than good in the long run.
The Dangers of Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing the eyes can be dangerous to those with preexisting eye problems. When something enters your eyes, the first thing you may feel like doing is to rub your eyes. However, doing this may cause the trapped object to scratch your cornea. In particular, doing this can spike the pressure in your eyes, which can worsen glaucoma. Similarly, those with progressive myopia or nearsightedness may experience worsened vision if they rub their eyes.
Keep in mind that your hands carry more germs than any other body part. So, when you rub your eyes, you’re actually transferring the potentially disease-causing microbes from your hands to your eyes. This may result in eye infections, such as pink eye or conjunctivitis. Also, this practice can cause the tiny blood vessels in your eyes to burst. The whites of your eyes, where scleral lenses rest, may turn an unsightly red color.
How to Kick This Habit
A reliable way to stop rubbing your eyes for good is to know the underlying cause that’s making you feel that urge to rub them. If it’s because they are itchy, it may be because of allergies. Your eye doctor may prescribe antihistamines to control your hypersensitivity reactions. Meanwhile, if it’s because of a foreign body, you can flush the object out using saline water or clean tap water.
On the other hand, if rubbing your eyes has been a habit, your vision therapy provider suggests becoming aware of what you do with your hands. Find something else to do with them like squeezing a stress ball. You can also wear mittens or gloves, making it a challenge for you to rub your eyes.
Call Insight Vision Center Optometry today at (714) 486-3315, or fill out our contact form to learn more eye care tips. We serve Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and the surrounding communities.
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