Rubbing your eyes while wearing contact lenses is strongly discouraged. This natural reaction to irritation introduces significant risks to your eyes and the lenses. The friction created by rubbing increases the chance of immediate damage and contamination. Doing so can quickly escalate from minor discomfort to a serious medical concern.
Immediate Hazards of Physical Contact
Rubbing your eyes applies mechanical stress directly to the lens material. This physical contact can cause the lens to shift dramatically from its correct position over the iris and pupil. The lens may fold, become displaced under the eyelid, or tear, resulting in immediate irritation and blurry vision. A torn or displaced lens requires prompt removal and replacement, as wearing a compromised lens can scratch the eye’s surface.
Friction also accelerates the transfer of foreign material and microbes into the ocular environment. Even clean hands harbor bacteria, allergens, and debris that are scraped directly onto the lens surface and trapped against the eye. The lens then acts as a barrier, preventing the eye’s natural flushing action from washing away these contaminants. This introduction of foreign matter significantly raises the risk of infection.
Understanding Corneal Abrasions and Infection Risk
The most significant danger of rubbing is causing a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the cornea. When you rub your eye, the contact lens—especially if dry or trapping debris—acts like sandpaper against the sensitive corneal tissue. This abrasive action removes the surface layer of cells, leaving the underlying tissue exposed and vulnerable.
A scratched cornea provides an easy entry point for bacteria and other microorganisms transferred from your hands or trapped under the lens. This can quickly develop into microbial keratitis, a severe eye infection common with contact lens wear. Keratitis causes painful inflammation of the cornea and can lead to permanent scarring, vision impairment, or require a corneal transplant. The presence of a contact lens over the abrasion allows pathogens to multiply, making prompt medical attention necessary if an injury is suspected.
Safe Methods for Relieving Eye Irritation
Instead of rubbing, the safest alternative is to use lubricating or rewetting drops approved for your specific type of contact lenses. These artificial tears can flush out minor debris and rehydrate the lens, often resolving discomfort caused by dryness. Avoid drops marketed to “get the red out,” as these can worsen irritation over time.
If irritation persists after using drops, immediately remove the contact lenses. Once removed, gently rinse the lenses with fresh, sterile contact lens solution, or switch to wearing glasses temporarily. Applying a clean, cool compress to your closed eyelids can also provide soothing relief for itchiness or allergic reactions. Consistent blinking helps stimulate natural tear production, which is the eye’s built-in mechanism for keeping the surface clean and moist.