Rubbing your eyes is a common, often unconscious, habit. While it might offer fleeting relief, this seemingly harmless action can lead to a range of consequences, from minor irritations to lasting vision damage. The delicate structure of the eye makes it vulnerable to mechanical stress. Understanding its impact is important for protecting your eyesight.
Surface-Level Irritations and Risks
Eye rubbing can cause immediate and noticeable effects on the eye’s surface. Friction from rubbing can irritate the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inside the eyelids, leading to redness and discomfort. This physical irritation can also result in temporary blurry vision due to pressure on the cornea.
Hands carry numerous bacteria and viruses, which can easily transfer to the eyes through rubbing, increasing the risk of infections such as conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Conjunctivitis causes swelling, redness, itching, and potential discharge. For individuals with allergies, rubbing can worsen symptoms by rupturing mast cells in the eye, which then release more histamines. This release intensifies itching, redness, and swelling, creating a cycle of irritation and further rubbing.
The thin, sensitive skin around the eyes is also susceptible to damage from repeated rubbing. This mechanical trauma can cause tiny blood vessels beneath the skin to break, potentially leading to dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles. For contact lens wearers, rubbing poses additional risks, including dislodging or tearing lenses, which can cause irritation or even lead to corneal abrasions. If a foreign object is in the eye, rubbing can embed it further or scratch the cornea, causing pain and potential injury.
Potential for Deeper Ocular Damage
Beyond surface irritations, chronic eye rubbing can contribute to more serious, long-term structural damage. One concern is the development of keratoconus, a condition where the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, thins and bulges into a cone shape. This deformation distorts vision and can be progressive, with rubbing influencing the extent of corneal changes. Mechanical trauma from rubbing is thought to damage the connections between collagen fibrils in the cornea, weakening its structure and making it more susceptible to bulging.
Eye rubbing can also lead to temporary spikes in intraocular pressure (IOP), the fluid pressure inside the eye. While the effect is often temporary, consistent or vigorous rubbing, particularly in susceptible individuals, may contribute to the risk of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to optic nerve damage and permanent vision loss if IOP remains elevated. Eyelid rubbing can temporarily increase IOP by a significant amount.
Although less common, vigorous eye rubbing, especially in individuals with pre-existing risk factors like high myopia (nearsightedness), can potentially contribute to retinal tears or detachment. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and its detachment can cause vision loss. While eye rubbing alone is generally not a primary cause, it can exert enough trauma to the eye to exacerbate a weakened retina.
Strategies to Stop Eye Rubbing
Breaking the habit of eye rubbing begins with identifying the underlying cause. Common triggers include dry eyes, allergies, eye strain, and fatigue. Addressing these root issues can reduce the urge to rub.
For dry eyes, using lubricating eye drops can help keep the eyes moist and comfortable, reducing irritation. If allergies are the cause, antihistamine eye drops, oral antihistamines, or avoiding known allergens can help alleviate itching and inflammation. Taking breaks from screens, following the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes), and ensuring adequate sleep can help mitigate eye strain and fatigue.
When the urge to rub arises, alternative actions can provide relief. Applying a cold compress or a clean, wet washcloth to closed eyelids can soothe irritation. Blinking frequently can help distribute tears and clear minor irritants. Gently pressing around the eye sockets, rather than directly on the eyeballs, can offer some relief. If underlying eye conditions are suspected, or if any changes in vision or persistent discomfort occur, consulting an eye care professional is advisable.