Is Rubbing Your Eyes Harmful?
Yes; frequent, hard eye rubbing can contribute to thinning and bulging of the cornea (keratoconus) and speed up its progression. When keratoconus is caught early, corneal cross-linking (CXL) can halt its progression.
Eye Rubbing and Keratoconus
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. Frequent rubbing puts pressure and strain on it and can lead to thinning and a cone-shaped bulge. This condition is called keratoconus.
People who rub their eyes often, especially because of allergies, are at risk. The exact cause is unknown, but a family (genetic) tendency also plays a role.
Symptoms and Course
Keratoconus usually starts in adolescence, progresses in early adulthood and mostly stabilises later in life. Vision that is corrected by glasses at first may stop being correctable with glasses.
- Deteriorating vision
- Rapidly increasing short-sightedness or astigmatism
- Blurred vision despite glasses
Treatment Options
- CXL (corneal cross-linking): when done at an early stage, it can halt the progression of the disease.
- Specialist contact lenses and corneal ring implants are additional options.
Prevention
- Do not rub your eyes; if they itch, have the cause treated.
- Have a yearly eye examination, especially in your teens and twenties.
Frequently asked questions
Does eye rubbing cause keratoconus?
It may not cause it on its own, but frequent rubbing can pave the way for it and speed it up, especially in people with a genetic tendency.
Can keratoconus be treated?
At an early stage CXL can halt its progression; contact lenses and corneal rings are additional options.
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This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.