Rubbing your eyes seems like an innocent habit that relieves strain or dryness. However, excessive or overly vigorous touching can lead to several eye care issues. If you’re having a hard time breaking this habit, keep in mind the various problems it can cause.

How Does Rubbing Damage the Eyes?

1. Injuries

The cornea is an essential component of your vision. It focuses the light streaming into the eye and offers protection from dirt, dust, and germs.

It’s possible to injure the cornea while rubbing your eye, especially if you have long nails. While many cornea injuries can heal on their own, more severe damage can leave a scar that can obscure your vision. 

2. Infections

You face a more significant risk of infection if bacteria and germs on your fingers make their way into the eyes. Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, causes redness, swelling, and excessive tearing.

Both viral and bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are highly contagious, meaning you can easily infect yourself by rubbing your face after coming in contact with an infected person. 

3. Keratoconus 

Keratoconus is a severe condition linked to eye rubbing. It can cause blurriness, light sensitivity, and worsened vision. Healthy corneas have a circular shape, much like a dome, but keratoconus causes them to become cone-like. 

Although this condition isn’t solely caused by rubbing, the habit can increase the chances of it developing and exacerbate the symptoms. Schedule an appointment with an optometrist if you notice any changes in your vision.

Proper eye care is a must to keep your vision healthy for life. Lieblong Eye Clinic has provided skilled and compassionate services to patients throughout River Valley, AR, for over 41 years. Equipped to treat refractive errors, dry eye, and eye strain, this practice will ensure your daily activities aren’t interrupted by optical issues. They’ll help you find a stylish pair of designer frames or comfortable contact lenses to improve your vision. Call (479) 968-2020 to schedule an appointment today. Visit them online for more information about eye care.