Eye rubbing is a common habit that many people have. It’s something we do without even thinking about it.

But did you know that eye rubbing can actually be harmful to your vision? In this article, we’ll take a look at why eye rubbing is bad for your eyes and how you can stop this habit.

Why Eye Rubbing Is Bad For Your Eyes

Eye rubbing can be harmful to your eyes in a number of ways. Here’s why:.

1. Eye Infections

When you rub your eyes, you can introduce bacteria and viruses into your eyes, which can cause infections like conjunctivitis or pink eye. These infections can be very painful and can take several weeks to heal.

2. Corneal Abrasions

Rubbing your eyes can also scratch the cornea, which is the clear, protective outer layer of the eye. These scratches are known as corneal abrasions and can cause tearing, redness, and sensitivity to light.

3. Eye Pressure

Eye rubbing can also increase the pressure inside your eyes. This can be particularly dangerous if you have glaucoma, as it can cause damage to the optic nerve.

4. Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, rubbing your eyes can make your symptoms worse. This is because rubbing your eyes can release histamines, which can cause itching, swelling, and redness.

How To Stop Rubbing Your Eyes

The first step to stopping eye rubbing is to become aware of when you’re doing it. Often, eye rubbing is a habit that we don’t even realize we have. Once you become aware of when you’re rubbing your eyes, try to distract yourself by doing something else.

For example, you could:.

Take a deep breath and count to ten
Get up and walk around
Drink a glass of water

If you find that you’re rubbing your eyes because they’re dry or itchy, try using eye drops instead. You can get over-the-counter eye drops or speak to your doctor about getting prescription eye drops.

When To See A Doctor

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor:.

Painful or swollen eyes
Blurry vision or vision loss
Light sensitivity
Increased redness

Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend other treatments to help relieve your symptoms.

Conclusion

Eye rubbing may seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually be detrimental to your vision. To prevent eye infections, corneal abrasions, and other eye issues, it’s important to stop rubbing your eyes.

If you’re having trouble breaking this habit, speak to your doctor for additional advice.