Do you tend to rub your eyes? And you're wondering why and if it's dangerous?
Why do you rub your eyes?
This can be due to several things. You may have dry eyes, an eye infection, wear contact lenses, be prone to allergies, or have another health problem. Rubbing your eyes has become a habit or even a reflex for you. However, you should avoid rubbing your eyes as it can have disastrous effects on your ocular health and overall well-being.
Some causes leading to this rubbing?
Various health problems can cause this urge to rub, scratch...
- Conjunctivitis: This is a common inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. It is quickly transmitted by bacteria or a virus when you touch your eyes with your fingers. Your eyes become pinkish-red and a yellowish liquid drains into the corners of the eye, the canthi. It is usually not painful, but conjunctivitis causes itching; conjunctivitis can be very contagious, which is why it is imperative not to rub your eyes...
- Allergies: Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, often linked to pollen, which cause sneezing, watery eyes, stuffy nose, itchy palate, and itchy eyes that force them to rub. Allergies can also be linked to food, insect bites, medication, and cause swelling followed by itching!
- Blepharitis: This is an inflammation of the eyelids characterized by a slightly thickened eyelid margin, slight redness, and crusts at the base of the eyelashes.
- Eye strain: It is often linked to intense close-up work, a lot of time spent in front of screens without looking outside and forgetting to blink. It causes burning and scratching.
- Dry eyes: You lack tears, which causes stinging in your eyes.
- Wearing contact lenses: Like any foreign body in the eye, contact lenses can trigger severe irritation.
A cold, rhinitis, sinusitis, all ENT conditions can cause irritation, ocular tickling that makes you want to scratch!
Can you injure yourself by rubbing your eyes?
Rubbing or scratching your eyes energetically several times a day can damage your eye: cornea or lens. It can promote the development of keratoconus, an irreversible corneal deformation with vision loss, visual impairment, or an infection requiring medical attention. If you notice any of these symptoms, we advise you to consult an ophthalmologist for an assessment:
- Eye pain
- Reduced vision and blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Redness or inflammation
- Headaches
How not to rub your eyes?
The best way? Know the cause of the rubbing to treat it, which is why it is best to talk to your GP first, who will choose to refer you to the most appropriate specialist.
While waiting for a consultation, you can opt for natural and simple "remedies" to relieve yourself:
- Apply a warm compress to your eyes to relieve irritation.
- Moisturize, regularly clean your eyes with saline solution
- Wear non-prescription computer glasses as a barrier
- Be aware of what you are doing with your hands, avoid the "reflex" side of these rubbings to advantageously resist the urge to scratch.
In any case, KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN! Essential to prevent germs from spreading to your face and eyes.
