Risks of Rubbing your Eyes!

Rubbing your eyes can either be done out of reflex or out of habit. This might seem like a harmless action but it comes with risk factors. Risk factors such as health condition include Eye Infection such as Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) that leads to eye itching due to bacteria or virus that are transmitted from the hands to the eyes. Another factor is allergies causing itch on the eyes due to allergen exposure. Other symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose and watery eyes. Some causes also include blepharitis (itchy/swollen eyes and crusted eyelashes due to inflamed eyelids because oil glands are clogged), eyestrain (burning and itching on the eye due to fatigue after looking at something for a longer period of time) and dry eyes (eyes don’t produce enough tears). Common cold and sinusitis also result to itchy eyes.

Excessive Eye Rubbing might cause corneal damage or lens damage which could result to vision impairment or infection. Signs of Eye Damage include eye pain, being too sensitive to light, experiencing reduced vision, seeing blurry vision, eye redness, eye inflammation, headache and nausea. Too much eye rubbing can also cause breakage of tiny blood vessels on the eyes which result to blood-shot eyes.

Here is our specialist’s advice for eye rubbing prevention: Over-the counter medicines such as saline or eye drops can clean eyes and flush out dirt. Prescription medication will be needed for people suffering from Conjunctivitis. Resist the urge to rub eyes since we know that our hands contain dirt and bacteria which can be transferred to the eyes. Refrain also from trying to rub your eyes to remove foreign body stuck on it because it can lead to the cornea being scratched and damaged.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve (responsible for good vision) caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye which is the leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. The effect of excessive eye rubbing on people with Glaucoma can disrupt blood flow to the back to the eye and lead to nerve damage. Excessive eye rubbing can also be a risk factor of thinning of the cornea which can be weakened and pushes it forward leading its form to become more cone-shaped.

Our specialists can help you in determining what is troubling your eyes so we can assist you in your all along your visual treatment.