Rubbing Your Eyes: A Secretly Harmful Habit for Your Cornea Vision Loss
Eyes are one of the most delicate parts of the human body, and they can be easily damaged by careless habits. Many people often rub their eyes due to lack of sleep, fatigue, or itchiness. Although this habit may seem harmless, it can be detrimental to eye health in the long run. Experts warn that rubbing eyes can increase the risk of infection and even affect vision.
Here are five major risks associated with rubbing your eyes:
1. Increased Risk of Infection
When hands come into contact with dust, dirt, and bacteria throughout the day, these microorganisms can easily transfer to the eyes when rubbed. This can lead to conjunctivitis, redness, and swelling. Repeatedly rubbing eyes can weaken the natural defense mechanism of the eyes.
2. Corneal Abrasion
The cornea, the surface of the eye, is extremely sensitive. When eyes are rubbed vigorously, tiny scratches (corneal abrasions) can occur on the cornea. This not only causes pain and irritation but also affects vision, causing blurred vision and difficulty seeing. In severe cases, it can lead to corneal infection.
3. Increased Risk of Glaucoma
Rubbing eyes can increase pressure on the eyes, which can lead to glaucoma if continued over a long period. Glaucoma is a serious condition where the optic nerve gradually deteriorates, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
4. Dark Circles and Wrinkles
The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate. Rubbing eyes repeatedly can cause blood vessels in this area to become compressed, leading to darker circles. Additionally, the skin’s elasticity is reduced, causing premature wrinkles and sagging skin.
5. Weakened Vision
If eyes already have pre-existing conditions such as myopia or astigmatism, rubbing eyes can exacerbate these problems. The pressure on the eyes can alter the shape of the cornea, causing vision to weaken further. This can lead to a rapid increase in the need for corrective lenses and weakened vision.
It is essential to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect eye health.
