The instinctive urge to rub an irritated eye is a common reflex, yet this seemingly harmless action takes on significant risk when contact lenses are involved. Eye care professionals strongly discourage this habit because it transforms minor irritation into a potential hazard for both the contact lens itself and the delicate structures of the eye. While a quick rub may offer momentary relief, the mechanical friction and introduction of foreign agents can lead to complications ranging from discomfort to severe, sight-threatening infections.
How Rubbing Physically Damages the Contact Lens and Cornea
The primary consequence of rubbing is the mechanical friction created between the eyelid, the contact lens, and the cornea. This friction can result in a corneal abrasion, which is a small scratch on the cornea’s epithelial layer. A corneal abrasion causes significant pain, light sensitivity, and a foreign body sensation, and it creates an entry point for infectious agents to penetrate the eye’s surface.
The physical force exerted during rubbing often displaces the contact lens from its central position. A displaced lens can fold, tear, or become lodged beneath the upper eyelid, requiring manual manipulation for retrieval and increasing irritation. If the lens is torn or warped, its irregular edges can further scrape the cornea, necessitating immediate removal and replacement to prevent continuous trauma. Chronic, forceful rubbing over many years can also lead to keratoconus, where mechanical pressure weakens the cornea’s structural integrity. This thinning causes the cornea to bulge outward into a cone shape, resulting in distorted vision that often requires specialized rigid contact lenses or surgical intervention.
The Hidden Danger of Introducing Bacteria and Debris
Hands are constantly in contact with environmental surfaces and are significant carriers of pathogens. Rubbing the eye transfers these microorganisms directly onto the contact lens surface, which sits in continuous contact with the eye. This creates a localized, warm, moist environment where bacteria, viruses, or fungi can multiply rapidly on the lens material.
The most severe biological risk is the development of microbial keratitis, a serious, sight-threatening infection of the cornea. Bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are the most common cause, potentially leading to corneal scarring and permanent vision loss if not treated aggressively. Rubbing can also force microscopic debris, such as dust or pollen, accumulated under the lens to embed into the corneal tissue. This debris heightens mechanical irritation and acts as a vehicle for transmitting infectious agents past the protective tear film. The presence of a contact lens already increases the risk of microbial keratitis compared to non-wearers, and introducing pathogens through rubbing escalates this danger significantly.
What to Do When Your Eyes Feel Itchy or Dry
When discomfort triggers the urge to rub, the safest first action is to use rewetting drops specifically approved for contact lenses. These solutions rehydrate the lens and stabilize the tear film without damaging the lens material, providing lubrication and washing away minor irritants. Preservative-free options are often recommended to prevent irritation from chemical buildup on the lens surface.
A simple alternative to rubbing is to close the eyes and blink rapidly several times to encourage natural tear production and clear the lens surface. If irritation persists, remove the contact lenses immediately, clean them thoroughly with a recommended solution, and switch to glasses until symptoms resolve. If redness, pain, or blurred vision continues after the lenses are removed, it indicates a possible infection or abrasion, and an eye care professional should be consulted without delay.