Whether your eyes are itchy or your contact lens is irritating you, it can be tempting to address the issue by rubbing your eyes. While this may provide immediate relief, resist the temptation. This aggressive action can lead to eye infections and long-term vision issues. Below is what you need to know about the consequences of rubbing your eyes.

Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes

1. Risks Damaging Your Cornea

There’s possibly a foreign object in your eye causing the itching sensation, and rubbing can force it against your cornea. This part of your eye is responsible for focusing light, so scratching it will deteriorate your vision.

2. Increases the Odds of Eye Infection

Your fingers are crawling with bacteria. When you touch your face without washing your hands first, you can easily transfer this grime to your eyes. This contact may lead to a variety of eye infections, including pink eye.

3. Creates Dark Circles

Rubbing your eyes can affect your appearance as well. The skin here is thin, and excessive friction can damage and break the blood vessels underneath. The blood that leaks out creates noticeably dark circles around your eyes.

4. Doesn’t Help 

Most importantly, you should avoid rubbing your eyes because it doesn’t help. Rather, it releases more histamines, which makes the itching sensation more intense. Instead, rely on your natural defenses. Try blinking rapidly to produce protective tears, which flush out irritants. If that’s not enough and eye drops don’t help, call an optometrist. 

Contact an optometrist today for relief from your itchy eye. For a reliable professional in Honolulu, HI, look to Ala Moana Eye Care Associates. Their optometrists serve both children and adults with quality care, from eye tests to glasses fittings. With more than 25 years of experience, they are known for the attentive, individualized attention they give their patients. Find out more about their services online, including emergency treatments for eye infections. For an appointment, call (808) 946-3937 today.