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Eye Rubbing: This simple, everyday habit can damage one’s vision (and what should one do about it) |

Sandy Verma | October 28, 2025 11:24 AM CST

We all suffer from dry, itchy eyes, that can be caused by a host of factors – allergies, tiredness, dryness, and even sleep! While this might seem like a harmless condition (and most of the times, it indeed is), the real issue lies in how we try to resolve it. Our first reaction is always to rub our eyes vigorously, that might provide temporary relief, but is, in reality disastrous for your eyes, and can even damage them. Shocking, isn’t it? Let’s find out more…How eye rubbing harms your visionThe eyeball experiences elevated pressure while eye rubbingThe eyeball experiences elevated pressure, when you vigorously do eye rubbing. The eye pressure inside your eyes experiences a brief elevation, when you rub your eyes. Even though everyone should avoid this habit, people with glaucoma, especially need to avoid eye rubbing, because it creates dangerous spikes in their eye pressure which damages their optic nerve and threatens permanent vision loss.

Risk of corneal damageThe cornea functions as the transparent outer layer of the eye, which enables light to enter for proper vision. The repeated eye rubbing movement creates corneal wounds, which doctors call corneal abrasions. The painful condition of corneal abrasions makes eyes more susceptible to developing infections.The continuous practice of eye rubbing leads to keratoconus development, which results in corneal thinning and outward bulging into a cone-like shape. The corneal shape becomes irregular because of this condition, which results in distorted vision, that can progress to complete visual impairment. Patients who develop severe corneal damage might need to undergo corneal transplant surgery.

Spreading germs and infectionsThe transfer of bacteria and viruses from hands to eyes through rubbing, leads to eye infections including conjunctivitis (pink eye). The symptoms of eye infections include eye redness, pain, discharge and vision problems.The act of rubbing causes blood vessels in the sclera to break, which results in eyes becoming red and bloodshot. The repeated skin damage from rubbing causes blood vessels to break, which results in dark circles and wrinkles around the eyes. The eyes develop premature aging signs because of broken capillaries, and skin damage from rubbing.

What science saysA 2023 study found that rubbing eyes makes the cornea temporarily softer and less stiff, especially in people with nearsightedness (myopia). This softening can contribute to structural changes and weaken the eye’s biomechanical strength.Multiple research studies demonstrate that eye rubbing leads to corneal cell thinning, which accelerates keratoconus development. The extent of damage to the eyes depends on both the intensity, and frequency of eye rubbing.Eye rubbing creates two major problems for the eyes because it raises eye pressure, and blocks blood flow to the retina, which damages visual processing abilities.Research indicates that prolonged eye rubbing, leads to worsening of refractive errors including myopia and astigmatism, which results in deteriorating vision quality.

Avoiding eye rubbing becomes essential, because it protects your eyes from permanent damage, and prevents eye infections, corneal health deterioration and slows down vision changes.People who have glaucoma or dry eyes or allergies, need to stop eye rubbing because it leads to severe complications.What can one do for eye health

Instead of rubbing your eyes, you should use artificial tear drops to moisturise your eyes, and apply a cold compress to reduce itching and inflammation.
People should maintain hand cleanliness while minimising their need to touch their eyes.
Seek medical help to treat underlying conditions, which include allergies and infections.
Practice eye care through regular breaks during work, and by following proper eye hygiene practices.
Those who rub their eyes often, should consult an eye specialist for help with their eye rubbing habit, and its underlying causes. (Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice)