Why Rubbing Your Eyes is a Bad Idea
People rub their eyes often as a reflexive response to discomfort or irritation. Some of these unpleasantries include fatigue or eye strain, allergies, dry eyes, foreign particles, tension relief, bright light exposure, eye infections, contact lens discomfort and sleepiness. While occasional, gentle rubbing of the eyes may not cause harm, frequent, forceful rubbing can cause vision to momentarily darken or produce flashes of light or spots. If this is the case, you are applying too much pressure to the eyes that can lead to a multitude of vision issues. Below, Victoria Eye Center will explore why rubbing your eyes is a bad idea.
When you rub your eyes, you temporarily increase intraocular pressure which can restrict blood flow to the retina. The retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye, relies on a constant supply of blood and oxygen to function properly. When the retina’s ability is compromised, processing of visual information can become impaired. Rubbing your eyes stimulates the lacrimal glands that produce tears which may provide short-term relief from discomfort, fatigue or itchiness. Beyond mild relief, rubbing the eyes often and with excessive pressure can lead to potential damage. The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye that is reshaped during LASIK, can become physically deformed by rubbing. Repeated rubbing can lead to thinning or warping of the cornea, potentially resulting in conditions like keratoconus, where the cornea becomes cone-shaped and vision becomes distorted. Rubbing can also exacerbate debris in the eye like dust or an eyelash that may cause a corneal abrasion (scratches on the surface of the cornea) which can be painful and increases the risk of an eye infection. People who habitually rub their eyes may have underlying conditions such as dry eyes or allergies which can lead to more frequent eye rubbing. This behavior may contribute to worsening refractive errors, specifically myopia and astigmatism, due to the pressure and stress on the cornea.
The link between eye rubbing and the development or worsening of refractive errors often prompts individuals to seek corrective solutions, with many opting for LASIK surgery to improve their vision. During LASIK, a corneal flap is created to reshape the cornea and correct vision. After surgery, the corneal flap acts as a natural bandage. Even after a full recovery from LASIK, excessive eye rubbing can still pose risks to the cornea. While the cornea flap typically heals and integrates well, it remains vulnerable to trauma, so it is crucial to avoid rubbing your eyes, particularly during the recovery phase. Protecting the corneal flap ensures proper healing and long-term success of the surgery.
To learn more about the benefits and long-term effects of LASIK, schedule an appointment with Victoria Eye Center by calling 800-833-0234 or visiting WEBSITE.