Rubbing your eyes is often a quick fix for itchy eyes. While it can provide temporary relief, excessive rubbing can actually harm your eyes. What are the dangers of rubbing your eyes too much, and how can you prevent it? Check out the following reviews. 

Dangers of excessive eye rubbing

Many people rub their eyes without even realizing it. We often do this when our eyes feel itchy, tired, or irritated. Sometimes, we even rub our eyes unintentionally while cooking, like when chopping onions.

Rubbing your eyes can feel relieving due to a reflex called the ocular-cardiac reflex (OCR). When you apply pressure to your eyeball, signals are sent from the trigeminal and vagus nerves to your heart and brain, indicating that you are safe. This response lowers your heart rate and blood pressure, making you feel relaxed. However, this can lead to excessive eye rubbing.

While rubbing may provide momentary relief, especially when done with dirty hands, it can worsen your eye condition. Here are some potential dangers of excessive eye rubbing:

Worsening allergies

Many people rub their eyes due to allergies caused by dust, pollen, or pet dander. Rubbing your eyes without washing your hands can transfer allergens into your eyes, worsening the allergic reaction. Additionally, this action can boost histamine production, leading to swelling and irritation.

Corneal injury

Rubbing your eyes can accidentally scratch your cornea with your nails, leading to corneal abrasions. It can also misalign your eyelashes, causing them to scrape against the cornea. Repeatingly doing this can weaken the cornea over time

According to the Cleveland Clinic, excessive eye rubbing can even lead to astigmatism or nearsightedness due to a condition called keratoconus.

Retinal tear

One of the most severe risks of rubbing your eyes too hard and frequently is a retinal tear or detachment. This serious condition typically arises only from vigorous and repeated eye rubbing, requiring invasive treatment.

Red eyes and other infections

Dust, bacteria, and viruses on your hands can lead to eye infections when you rub your eyes. These pathogens can transfer from your hands to your eyes, resulting in various infections, such as styes, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva), blepharitis, and endophthalmitis (inflammation of the eyeball).

Tips for relieving itchy eyes without rubbing

The best way to manage irritation caused by rubbing is simply to avoid rubbing your eyes altogether. If you feel the urge to rub due to allergies or irritation, try these alternatives:

• Use eye drops
• Rest your eyes from screens
• Wash your hands before touching your eyes, then gently dab your eyes with a clean, dry tissue
• Use a warm or cold compress to your eyes

Excessive eye rubbing can lead to irritation and discomfort. If your itchy eyes persist, consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. You can also make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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