Eyes Health: Understanding the reasons behind your urge to rubbing eyes is crucial to break the habit and prevent potential complications.
Eye Health: Constantly Rubbing Your Eye? This Could Be Why
Rubbing eyes may seem like a harmless habit, especially when you're tired, stressed, or feeling itchy. However, this common action can do more harm than good. Excessive eye rubbing can lead to irritation, eye infection, and even long-term damage to your vision. The eyes are delicate and need special care to maintain eye health and function. Understanding the reasons behind your urge to rubbing eyes is crucial to break the habit and prevent potential complications.
Reasons why you're constantly rubbing your eyes
Let's explore why eye health matters and what might be causing that persistent itch or discomfort leading to rubbing eyes.
1. Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition where your eyes don't produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to a gritty or itchy sensation, prompting you to rub eyes. However, rubbing eyes can worsen dryness by damaging the tear film.
2. Eye allergies
Allergies to pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods can cause itchy, watery eyes. Allergic reactions release histamines, which can inflame and irritate eyes, making rubbing feel like a relief, but it exacerbates irritation.
3. Eye strain
Staring at screens for prolonged periods causes digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. This leads to eye discomfort, dryness, and a reflex to rub eyes. Eye strain is a growing issue in today's digital age and requires conscious management.
4. Foreign particles or irritants
Dust, smoke, or even a stray eyelash can make your eyes feel uncomfortable. While eye rubbing might seem like a quick fix, it can push the irritant deeper, increasing the risk of infection or corneal abrasion.
5. Eye infections
Eye conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or styes can cause itching, eye redness, and eye discomfort. Rubbing infected eyes can spread bacteria or viruses, worsening the eye condition or transmitting it to others.
6. Keratoconus
In some cases, chronic eye rubbing is associated with keratoconus, an eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward. This can lead to blurry or distorted vision and requires medical intervention.
7. Stress or fatigue
Fatigue and stress often lead to an unconscious urge to rub eyes. While it may offer momentary comfort, frequent eye rubbing can harm the delicate tissues around the eyes.
Dangers of eye rubbing
Remember, your eyes are irreplaceable, and giving eyes care they deserve is essential for a lifetime of clear vision.
1. Corneal damage
Vigorous or frequent eye rubbing can scratch cornea or cause more serious injuries, especially if foreign particles are present.
2. Dark circles and wrinkles
The skin around the eyes is delicate, and constant rubbing can lead to dark circles, fine lines, or premature wrinkles.
3. Increased eye pressure
Rubbing eyes temporarily increases intraocular pressure, which can be dangerous for people with glaucoma.
4. Spread of germs
Your hands often carry germs that can transfer to your eyes, leading to eye infections.
How to avoid rubbing eyes
By addressing the root causes of rubbing eye, practising good eye hygiene, and seeking professional care when necessary, you can maintain optimal eye health.
1. Keep your hands clean
Practice good eye hygiene to reduce the risk of transferring dirt or germs to your eyes.
2. Use artificial tears
If dryness is the issue, lubricating eye drops can provide relief without harmful effects.
3. Follow the 20-20-20 rule
For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent eye strain.
4. Identify allergens
Avoid eye triggers that cause allergic reactions and use antihistamines as needed.
5. Consult an eye specialist
Persistent discomfort might indicate an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
6. Wear protective eyewear
Protect your eyes from dust, debris, or harmful UV rays with appropriate eyewear trends.
Eye rubbing might seem harmless, but its consequences can be significant. Recognising the reasons of eye rubbing habit is the first step toward protecting your vision.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
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