Rubbing your eyes is a common reaction when you are tired, itchy or feel some eye discomfort. However, this seemingly harmless gesture can have very negative consequences for your visual health. Did you know that it can cause micro-tears in the retina, increase the risk of infections and even contribute to the development of diseases such as keratoconus?
Here’s why you should kick this habit as soon as possible.
👁 1. Retinal microtears.
One of the lesser-known dangers of rubbing your eyes hard is the possibility of causing small tears in the retina. This sensitive tissue, responsible for sensing light and sending signals to the brain, is extremely delicate. When we rub our eyes intensely or frequently, the internal pressure rises sharply, which can cause:
- Small tears or micro-tears
- Alteration in the retinal blood vessels.
- Risk of retinal detachment in extreme cases
Although immediate symptoms are not always present, over time these lesions can affect the quality of vision.
🦠 2.Increased risk of infections
Hands are constantly exposed to bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. When we bring them to our eyes, we facilitate the direct entry of these microorganisms into the organism. This can lead to:
- Conjunctivitis (inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva)
- Corneal infections
- Eye irritation
Even if you wash your hands frequently, there is no way to guarantee that they are completely germ-free, so it is best to avoid contact with your eyes.
👁️🗨️ 3. Corneal and lens damage
Frequent eye rubbing can also damage the cornea, the clear layer that protects the eye. Constant rubbing can cause:
- Scratches on the corneal surface
- Painful eye abrasions
- Progressive deformities of the cornea, such as keratoconus, which alters vision and may require surgery or corneal transplantation.
In addition, there may be increased pressure on the lens, contributing to its deterioration over time, which increases the risk of premature cataracts.
🔁 4. Increased intraocular pressure.
The act of rubbing the eyes also significantly raises intraocular pressure, which can be especially dangerous in people with a history of glaucoma or a predisposition to the disease. A sudden and repeated increase in this pressure can accelerate damage to the optic nerve, affecting peripheral vision and leading to irreversible visual loss.
💥 5.Skin aging and dark circles under the eyes
In addition to visual problems, rubbing your eyes also affects the skin around them. This area is particularly thin and delicate, so constant rubbing contributes to:
- Appearance of premature wrinkles
- Eyelid flaccidity
- Increased dark circles or dark spots under the eyes
This not only affects eye health, but also the aesthetic appearance of the face.
✅ What to do if you have itchy or uncomfortable eyes?
Instead of rubbing your eyes, try these alternatives:
- Wash your eyes with cold water or saline.
- With clean hands you can gently massage the corners of your eyes.
- Use artificial tears if you have dry eyes.
- Apply a cold compress for a few minutes.
- Consult an ophthalmologist if the discomfort persists or is recurrent.
🧠 Conclusion.
Rubbing your eyes may seem like an automatic and harmless gesture, but it has potentially serious consequences for eye health. From infections and retinal damage to degenerative diseases such as keratoconus, the risk is real. The next time you feel itchy or irritated, remember: your eyes deserve delicate care.
💡 Take care of them! You only get one pair, and they’re for life.
