It may feel good, but it can actually do quite a bit of damage!
This month’s blog answers last month’s email quiz question: Why is it not good to rub our eyes? We delve into why and what we can do instead, to protect our delicate pieces of equipment.
Email quiz question: Why is it not good to rub our eyes?
Answer: f) All of the above.
These were the choices:
a) We can increase the chances of spreading infections.
Our hands touch many objects and surfaces, some of which may have germs that transfer to our hands. We can inadvertently introduce them into our eyes, causing infection or more irritation. Inversely, we may unknowingly have an infected eye and spread that infection to others, for example when shaking hands or bumping fists.
b) Rubbing eyes frequently can lead to a damaged cornea (the outermost layer that covers the front of the eye. It is a protective layer that is part of the focusing process).
Eye-rubbing can weaken the structure of the cornea, accelerating or leading to a condition called keratoconus, which is the thinning of the cornea and its shape changing — it bulges into a cone shape. Currently, there is no cure for keratoconus, but early detection and intervention is crucial to help prevent further visual decline. People with keratoconus can see double, have blurry vision, and become very sensitive to light. Worsening vision problems due to a scarred cornea may require cornea transplant surgery.
To note, keratoconus that develops during childhood tends to progress faster than when it emerges during puberty. Treatment is specific to each individual and depends on the disease stage and symptoms, amongst other factors.
c) Rubbing eyes frequently can lead to bags under our eyes.
While this result may be surprising, frequent rubbing can loosen the collagen bonds in the skin. Without these bonds, we can develop eyelid drooping, bags under our eyes, and fine lines and wrinkles around our eyes. Eye rubbing can also stretch the eyelid skin, causing redness and inflammation.
Constant rubbing can cause permanent damage to the muscle pump that drains tears, leading to watery eye.
d) We can potentially tear our retina (the layer inside the eye that detects light and converts it to signals for the brain)
Depending on the severity and frequency of rubbing, it can cause retina damage, conjunctivitis (pink eye), a cataract, and/or exacerbate glaucoma.
e) Children who rub their eyes can suffer from bulging of the cornea.
This can lead to decreased vision, scarring of the cornea, and possibly the need for a corneal transplant.
f) All of the above.
Choices a) to e) are all true. This is the correct answer.
g) Choices a), b), d), and e).
Choice c) is also true, so this answer isn’t correct.
Written May 2026.