Haziel Rynjah,  M. Optom

Assistant Professor, Purbanchal Educational Welfare Society (PEWS) University, Guwahati, India

 

Understanding How Eye Rubbing Contributes to Infections, Allergies, and Keratoconus

Rubbing of the eye can cause eye infections and allergies. Eye infections such as conjunctivitis cause the eye to itch and are contagious. (1) The main cause of developing Eye allergies is itching which leads to eye rubbing in case of blepharitis, eyestrain, and dry eye it is also associated with the development of keratoconus. (1,2)

Effect of vision

Rubbing continuously can damage the lens or cornea abrasion and affects the vision, including symptoms like eye pain, light sensitivity (photophobia), reduced vision, redness (congestion), inflammation, headache, nausea, and fatigue. (3,4) Rubbing eyes gently, more in a manner of pressing eyes can have a therapeutic effect on eyeballs, which stimulates the vagus nerve. This stimulation can slow your heart rate and help alleviate stress. (5) However, rigorous itching and hard pressing causes harmful effects on the eye.

Some of the healthy and hygienic habits for the eyes are as follows:

  1. Use saline or lubricating eye drops to clean the irritating dust particles or dirt. (3,6). This is recommended especially after a long day of digital exposure, exposure to dust. Additionally, use of protective sunglasses when exposed to dusty environments minimises the chance of developing eye allergies.
  2. Cold compresses help relieve inflammation and itching, especially in cases of allergy. (3,7)
  3. To wash our hands with soap and water. (3)
  4. Avoid touching the eye directly with your fingers. (3)
    We carry a variety of germs in our hands which come from various unimaginable sources. Surprisingly most common sources of contamination is from the keyboard and our cell phone. The unimaginable germs from fingers can easily transfer to our eyes and cause infections such as conjunctivitis, formation for stye etc.
  5. To minimise allergens, use pillows and pillows covered with anti-dust mite features. (4)
  6. Regularly wash your bedding in hot water, and if your mattress is several years old, think about replacing it. Use a damp mop to clean floors to avoid stirring up dust. (4)
  7. To prevent mould growth, keep indoor humidity below 50%. (4)

Discussion

The discussion is about the potential negative effects of rubbing our eyes and how to maintain eye health through good habits and hygiene. While rubbing our eyes can sometimes provide temporary relief, it carries significant risks, including infections, allergies, and long-term damage to vision. The potential harms from continuous rubbing eyes are the development of keratoconus and eye pain, which necessitates the importance of adopting healthier practices. (8) Adopting healthy eye health practices as pointed out above can mitigate many of these risks. Furthermore, maintaining a clean environment by using dusting houses regularly as well as controlling indoor humidity can contribute to overall eye health.

By taking these precautions, you can protect your eyes from unnecessary strain and damage while enjoying better visual comfort and well-being. So, it is better to talk with doctors or optometrists if the eye is itching.

 

References:

  1. Najmi, H., Mobarki, Y., Mania, K., Altowairqi, B., Basehi, M., Mahfouz, M. S., & Elmahdy, M. (2019). The correlation between keratoconus and eye rubbing: a review. International journal of ophthalmology12(11), 1775.
  2. Chambers, J. (Ed.). (2019). Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders Sourcebook. Infobase Holdings, Inc.
  3. Yeo, S., & Tong, L. (2018). Coping with dry eyes: a qualitative approach. BMC Ophthalmology18, 1-9.
  4. Raizman, M. B., Rothman, J. S., Maroun, F., & Rand, W. M. (2000). Effect of eye rubbing on signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis in cat-sensitive individuals. Ophthalmology107(12), 2158-2161.
  5. Hage, A., Knoeri, J., Leveziel, L., Majoulet, A., Blanc, J. V., Buffault, J., … & Baudouin, C. (2023). EYERUBBICS: The Eye Rubbing Cycle Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine12(4), 1529.
  6. McMonnies, C. W. (2016). Eye rubbing type and prevalence including contact lens ‘removal-relief ’rubbing. Clinical and Experimental Optometry99(4), 366-372.
  7. McMonnies, C. W. (2008). Management of chronic habits of abnormal eye rubbing. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye31(2), 95-1
  8. Kordi, E. S., Almokhtar, A. M., Alshareef, E. K., Alkayyal, A. A., Alharbi, J. O., & Alharbi, A. H. (2022). Awareness about keratoconus and its relation with eye rubbing: a cross-sectional study in Medina. Cureus14(11).