Eye D

Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes 👁️ Rubbing your eyes may feel soothing when they are itchy, tired or irritated. But repeated or forceful rubbing can harm the delicate structures of your eyes. Why avoid rubbing your eyes? • Irritation & redness: Rubbing can worsen dryness, redness and discomfort. • Risk of infection: Unclean hands can transfer germs and increase the risk of conjunctivitis. • Corneal weakening: Repeated pressure may contribute to corneal weakening and, in susceptible people, increase the risk of keratoconus. • Worsening allergies: Rubbing can release histamine, making itching and allergy symptoms worse. It may also increase puffiness and dark circles. • Delicate tissue damage: Frequent rubbing can irritate the eyelids and tiny blood vessels around the eyes. What should you do instead? ✔ Wash your hands before touching your eyes. ✔ For dry eyes, ask your eye doctor about suitable lubricating eye drops. ✔ Use a cool compress for temporary relief from itching. ✔ Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce dust, wind and UV exposure. ✔ If redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision or irritation persists, get an eye examination. Remember: itchy eyes are a symptom, not something to treat by rubbing. The cause may be dry eye, allergy, infection or another eye condition. 51 mins ago