Just like scratching an itch, rubbing your eyes may be a common, everyday occurrence that you probably don’t think about too much. Yet this seemingly innocuous habit could actually do your vision considerable harm, whether you’re rubbing them because they itch or because you’re tired. Here are three reasons to avoid rubbing your eyes.

Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes

1. It Could Damage Your Cornea

The clear coating on the eye is called the cornea. It’s susceptible to abrasions if the eye is disturbed. You could accidentally graze it with your fingernail while rubbing, for example, or your eyelashes might turn inward and rub against the cornea and tear it. Abrasions can cause symptoms like eye pain, watery eyes, blurry vision, and redness.

2. It Could Worsen Preexisting Conditions

Symptoms of certain conditions, such as glaucoma and a form of short-sightedness called progressive myopia, could become worse if you rub your eyes. Specifically, rubbing could cause the intraocular pressure in the eye to increase, which could further harm the optic nerve and affect your ability to see. Because rubbing may harm the cornea, a person with progressive myopia may experience even more difficulty seeing clearly.

3. It Could Impact Your Appearance

While it’s natural to rub your eyes when you’re tired, it could actually make you look more tired. Rubbing could potentially cause small blood vessels to break, both in your eyelids and in the eyes themselves. When that happens, you could develop both bloodshot eyes and dark circles, both of which can aggravate the tired appearance. 

If you’re concerned about your vision due to excessive eye-rubbing or you just want to schedule an exam, turn to the team at Northern Lights Eye Care in Anchorage, AK. They’re proud to offer a variety of services to protect your eyes, from standard exams to corrective surgical procedures. Visit the website for more information, or call (907) 276-3937 to schedule an appointment.