Rubbing the eyes is a very common and seemingly innocuous motion. We rub our eyes when we are tired or groggy, or when a piece of dust makes them itch, or when we have allergies. But is rubbing your eyes as harmless as it seems, or can it irritate or even damage them? Read on as Dr. Sandra Belmont of Belmont Eye Center shares the answer.
OCCASIONALLY RUBBING YOUR EYES PROBABLY WON’T HARM THEM
Rubbing your eyes from time to time is generally not problematic. Sometimes it feels therapeutic, as it can trigger the secretion of tears to lubricate dry eyes. Putting pressure on the eyeball also stimulates the vagus nerve, which slows the heart rate and relieves stress.
The key is to not rub your eyes too frequently or too aggressively. A general guideline is to not rub harder than you would when washing your face or drying it with a towel (be gentle!).
CHRONIC EYE RUBBING CAN DAMAGE THE CORNEA
Rubbing your eyes too aggressively or too frequently can, indeed, threaten their health as well as your vision. Rubbing your eyes can transfer bacteria from your hands to your eyes and cause infection like pink eye. Applying too much pressure can cause the small blood vessels beneath the skin to burst, leading to dark under-eye circles.
Vigorously eye rubbing has also been linked to cases of keratoconus, a structural abnormality of the cornea. People with chronically itchy eyes, perhaps due to allergies, may find themselves constantly rubbing their eyes aggressively. The constant rubbing may weaken and distort the cornea, which then morphs from its normally round shape into a more conical shape. The irregular shape of the eye causes astigmatism and related vision loss. In the worst cases of keratoconus, not even glasses or contact lenses can correct vision.
CONTACT BELMONT EYE CENTER
If you think you may have developed a problem due to rubbing your eyes too vigorously or too frequently — or if you are bothered by chronically itchy or irritated eyes — it’s best to have your eyes checked by a professional. Book an appointment with Dr. Sandra Belmont today by calling (212) 486-2020 or emailing Belmont Eye Center.
