Most people rub their eyes inadvertently. Though it may seem harmless, rubbing eyes can be dangerous and can even damage the cornea. If you find yourself constantly rubbing your eyes due to dryness, you should consult an eye doctor.
What makes you rub your eyes?
Rubbing the eyes can be an after-effect of eye conditions such as:
- Eye infections: There are many kinds of eye infections that make our eyes itchy. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye infections that causes redness or pinkness in the eyes and makes them itchy. Usually, eye infections are caused due to bacteria and viruses. Touching eyes with dirty hands can easily transmit the virus or bacteria to the eyes. Conjunctivitis is contagious and easily spreads to one another.
- Allergies: According to a study, when you have an allergy-causing virus/ bacteria in the eyes and you rub them, you will feel like rubbing the eyes more. Allergies make your eyes itchier. Itching can be accompanied by a stuffy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. Some people can also be allergic to food, insect stings, or medications.
- Prolonged use of contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses too can also cause eyes to itch.
- Additional causes for rubbing of eyes could include dry eyes, eye strain, and blepharitis.
What rubbing your eyes can lead to.
- Hands are generally dirtier than any other part of the body. When the hands touch the eyes it leads to the transfer of germs.
- If there is already something foreign material in the eyes, rubbing at that point can make the situation worse.
- Many people suffer from conditions such as myopia, glaucoma, and many other conditions. Excessive rubbing may lead to worsening of the eyesight by damaging blood vessels.
- Excessive rubbing may lead to thinning of the cornea. This condition is known as keratoconus.
Tips to stop rubbing your eyes
The best way to stop rubbing your eyes is to treat the underlying cause that is making them itch. Your doctor will guide you through the practices that may prevent you from rubbing your eyes. He can also prescribe some medication at https://xanaxtreatanxiety.com to relieve anxiety and the itchiness. Saline and eye drop prescribed by your doctor can be used for relieving the irritation. You may also apply a warm compress to your eye but it should be done only after consulting an eye doctor.
Sometimes rubbing is due to habit and because of any medical condition causing itching. In this case, the following methods can be used to stop this:
- Be conscious of what you are doing using your hands. Resist the urge and try to deviate your mind to not rub your eyes.
- Wear gloves when you are finding it hard to keep your fingers from your face. Covered fingers make rubbing difficult.
- Try to engage your hands in some other task. Squeezing a stress ball or rubbing a smooth rock might be useful.
Are you looking for an eye doctor in Kolkata?
Disha Eye Hospitals is a leading eye hospital in West Bengal. Our eye doctors of different caliber are on board. Our doctors are well-versed in the latest medical technology and our hospitals have all the modern equipment to support our doctors in providing the best patient care possible.