Rubbing your eyes: a dangerous habit for your eye health

10/03/2025

In our daily lives, we often rub our eyes as a reflex action, sometimes without even realising it. However, this simple gesture can put our eye health at risk and lead to serious vision problems.

Below, we explain the main risks of rubbing your eyes and what you can do to avoid it.

Negative consequences of rubbing your eyes

1. Development of keratoconus

Constantly rubbing your eyes can cause keratoconus, a condition that weakens the cornea, leading to its thinning and progressive deformation. As a result, vision deteriorates significantly. This disorder has a genetic component, but eye rubbing is a key risk factor, particularly in people who sleep face down with their eye pressed against a pillow or their hand.

2. Eye infections

Our hands harbour a large number of bacteria and viruses. When we rub our eyes, we facilitate the entry of microorganisms that can cause:
• Conjunctivitis (viral, bacterial, or allergic)
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margin)
• Systemic infections that can affect other parts of the body, as the ocular mucosa serves as an entry point for certain microorganisms

3. Corneal injuries

Rubbing your eyes too vigorously can cause micro-injuries to the cornea, especially in individuals who have undergone refractive surgery. These injuries may result in recurrent corneal erosions and impact visual quality.

4. Worsening of glaucoma

In patients with glaucoma, eye rubbing can increase intraocular pressure, further damaging the optic nerve and accelerating vision loss.

5. Risk of retinal detachment

In people with high myopia or pre-existing retinal diseases, vigorous eye rubbing can increase the risk of retinal detachment, a serious condition that may lead to irreversible vision loss if not treated promptly.

6. Premature skin ageing

From an aesthetic perspective, rubbing your eyes contributes to the appearance of dark circles and puffiness in the eyelids due to the weakening of collagen and elastin in the skin.

Strategies to avoid rubbing your eyes

Although it can be difficult to control this habit, there are some effective strategies to reduce the urge to rub your eyes:

1. Increase blinking frequency

Blinking regularly keeps the eyes hydrated and prevents the sensation of dryness or eye fatigue, which often triggers itching.

2. Use artificial tears

Applying preservative-free artificial tears or saline solution helps lubricate the eyes and soothes irritation.

3. Avoid allergens

If eye itching is frequent, it may be linked to allergies or conditions such as blepharitis or allergic conjunctivitis. In these cases, it is essential to identify and avoid the triggering factors.

4. Consult an ophthalmologist

If you experience persistent eye discomfort, it is best to visit a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Rubbing your eyes may seem harmless, but the risks it poses to eye health are significant. From keratoconus to eye infections and retinal detachment, this habit should be avoided as much as possible.

If you frequently experience itching or irritation, consult your trusted specialist for the best advice and long-term vision care.

Dr José Lamarca, ophthalmologist at the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre