When you visit the eye doctor for an eye exam, they likely ask you about your daily habits. If you’re prone to rubbing your eyes, they might provide a variety of eye care suggestions like artificial tears, allergy medicine, or limiting screen time to stop this habit. Should you need additional incentive, here are a few reasons why eye care professionals discourage rubbing.

4 Reasons to Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

1. Avoid Dark Circles

The process of rubbing or scratching your eyes can negatively impact the sensitive skin surrounding this area. Since the movement can damage or break tiny blood vessels underneath the skin, this ongoing habit can lead to dark circles under your eyes.

2. Minimize Risk of Infection

Your hands touch a variety of surfaces throughout the day. As such, rubbing your eyes can easily transfer bacteria and germs from your fingers into your eye, resulting in an infection. If you have something in your eye or you need to put in contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before going about any eye care routine.

3. Stop Inflammation

When you have allergies and you’re exposed to pollen, dust, or even pet dander, rubbing your eyes can stimulate the production of tears, which provides temporary relief. Unfortunately, this process can also release histamines that cause redness and inflammation, prompting a cycle that can make your condition and exposure to allergens worse.

4. Prevent Scratched Cornea

Foreign debris that gets into your eye is quite uncomfortable. In this situation, your first reaction may be to rub your eyes. However, the back-and-forth movement of debris or a long fingernail can scratch your cornea and result in vision problems that an eye doctor would need to address.

If you’re experiencing red, itchy eyes due to allergies or your eye care routine, the dedicated team at Eye Care Optical is ready to provide quick, effective relief. Since opening for business over four decades ago, this modern vision care center has been serving customers throughout Montgomery County, OH. Call today at (513) 731-6587 to schedule your eye exam. Visit the practice online to browse their comprehensive services.