Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

Eye Rubbing May Increase Keratoconus Risk: How This Everyday Habit Can Damage Your Cornea

Rubbing your eyes is a common habit, often triggered by itching, dryness or tiredness. However, frequent and vigorous rubbing can damage the cornea and increase the risk of keratoconus, a progressive condition that causes it to thin and bulge outward, experts warn.

World Keratoconus Day is observed every year on November 10 to raise awareness about the condition.

Early diagnosis is important to slow its progression. Frequent changes in spectacle prescriptions or deteriorating vision should prompt an eye examination.

<h2>Why Should You Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes?</h2>

Frequent or aggressive eye rubbing can put mechanical stress on the cornea, potentially weakening its structure and worsening existing eye conditions.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Janhvi Mehta, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, said, "Frequent or vigorous eye rubbing can damage the cornea, particularly by contributing to keratoconus. It can also cause corneal epithelial injury and worsen existing ocular allergy."

<ul><li>Contribute to corneal thinning and biomechanical weakening.</li><li>Accelerate keratoconus in susceptible individuals.</li><li>Cause corneal abrasions and increase the risk of infection.</li></ul>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/ozempic-zepbound-us-fda-orders-new-warning-over-rare-eye-risk-article-156487289" data-type="tilCustomLink">Ozempic, Zepbound: US FDA Orders New Warning Over Rare Eye Risk</a>

Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman and Managing Director, Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals, explained that excessive rubbing puts pressure on the cornea and can damage its collagen structure.

"The cornea might become thinner than usual or its shape may become uneven, leading to impaired vision. Hence, people should avoid the habit of rubbing their eyes," he told HealthandMe.

Children with allergies, especially allergic conjunctivitis, may be more vulnerable to keratoconus because of frequent eye rubbing.

Allergies can cause persistent itching, redness, watering, and discomfort, encouraging children to rub their eyes repeatedly. The resulting mechanical stress may contribute to the development or progression of keratoconus in susceptible individuals.

The experts urged parents to watch for excessive rubbing and changes in their children's vision. Timely allergy treatment and regular eye examinations can help identify potential problems early.

Other risk factors for keratoconus include:

<ul><li>Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)</li><li>Atopic eye disease</li><li>Family history of keratoconus</li><li>Genetic predisposition</li><li>Certain connective tissue disorders</li></ul>

However, not everyone who frequently rubs their eyes develops keratoconus.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/6-million-people-in-delhi-living-with-poor-vision-aiims-study-article-153807406" data-type="tilCustomLink">6 Million People In Delhi Living With Poor Vision: AIIMS Study</a>

<h2>Why Is Keratoconus Often Diagnosed Late?</h2>

Dr Janhvi noted that keratoconus commonly begins during adolescence or early adulthood but may remain undiagnosed until vision deteriorates.

Its early symptoms can resemble common refractive errors such as myopia. Children and young adults may experience mild blurring or require frequent changes in their spectacle prescriptions, which can be mistaken for routine vision changes.

The condition can also progress gradually and initially affect only one eye, making changes harder to recognise. Routine eye examinations may not always detect early keratoconus without specialised corneal assessment, Dr. Mahipal said.

<ul><li>Increasing myopia</li><li>Progressive or irregular astigmatism</li><li>Frequent changes in spectacle prescriptions</li><li>Reduced visual clarity despite corrective lenses</li><li>Ghosting, glare or double vision in one eye</li><li>Difficulty driving at night</li></ul>

Increasing astigmatism despite repeated spectacle corrections is an important warning sign that warrants further evaluation.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/sudden-floaters-flashes-or-blurred-vision-when-should-you-seek-emergency-care-for-retinal-changes-article-156233298" data-type="tilCustomLink">Sudden Floaters, Flashes Or Blurred Vision? When Should You Seek Emergency Care For Retinal Changes</a>

<h2>How Can You Prevent Corneal Damage? </h2>

Preventing excessive eye rubbing and managing its underlying causes can help reduce avoidable stress on the cornea.

1. Break the eye-rubbing habit

<ul><li>Avoid pressing or massaging closed eyelids.</li><li>Use a cold compress when your eyes itch.</li><li>Avoid rubbing your eyes even through a towel or handkerchief.</li><li>Keep children's fingernails short to minimise accidental injury.</li></ul>

2. Treat underlying allergies

If itching triggers eye rubbing, consult an ophthalmologist about appropriate treatment. Options may include topical antihistamine or mast-cell stabiliser drops, such as olopatadine or ketotifen.

<ul><li>Using preservative-free artificial tears for irritation</li><li>Treating associated blepharitis or dry eye</li><li>Avoiding prolonged use of topical steroid drops without medical supervision</li></ul>

3. Reduce exposure to environmental triggers

<ul><li>Avoid dust, smoke and known allergens</li><li>Wear protective glasses outdoors</li><li>Avoid direct airflow from air conditioners. </li></ul>

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Rubbing your eyes is a common habit, often triggered by itching, dryness or tiredness. However, frequent and vigorous rubbing can damage the cornea and increase the risk of keratoconus, a progressive condition that causes it to thin and bulge outward, experts warn.World Keratoconus Day is observed every year on November 10 to raise awareness about the condition.Early diagnosis is important to slow its progression. Frequent changes in spectacle prescriptions or deteriorating vision should prompt an eye examination.Why Should You Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes?Frequent or aggressive eye rubbing can put mechanical stress on the cornea, potentially weakening its structure and worsening existing eye conditions.Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Janhvi Mehta, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, said, "Frequent or vigorous eye rubbing can damage the cornea, particularly by contributing to keratoconus. It can also cause corneal epithelial injury and worsen existing ocular allergy."Repeated rubbing can:Contribute to corneal thinning and biomechanical weakening.Accelerate keratoconus in susceptible individuals.Cause corneal abrasions and increase the risk of infection.Also read: Ozempic, Zepbound: US FDA Orders New Warning Over Rare Eye RiskDr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman and Managing Director, Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals, explained that excessive rubbing puts pressure on the cornea and can damage its collagen structure."The cornea might become thinner than usual or its shape may become uneven, leading to impaired vision. Hence, people should avoid the habit of rubbing their eyes," he told HealthandMe.Why Are Children More At Risk?Children with allergies, especially allergic conjunctivitis, may be more vulnerable to keratoconus because of frequent eye rubbing.Allergies can cause persistent itching, redness, watering, and discomfort, encouraging children to rub their eyes repeatedly. The resulting mechanical stress may contribute to the development or progression of keratoconus in susceptible individuals.The experts urged parents to watch for excessive rubbing and changes in their children's vision. Timely allergy treatment and regular eye examinations can help identify potential problems early.Other risk factors for keratoconus include:Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)Atopic eye diseaseFamily history of keratoconusGenetic predispositionCertain connective tissue disordersHowever, not everyone who frequently rubs their eyes develops keratoconus.Read More: 6 Million People In Delhi Living With Poor Vision: AIIMS StudyWhy Is Keratoconus Often Diagnosed Late?Dr Janhvi noted that keratoconus commonly begins during adolescence or early adulthood but may remain undiagnosed until vision deteriorates.Its early symptoms can resemble common refractive errors such as myopia. Children and young adults may experience mild blurring or require frequent changes in their spectacle prescriptions, which can be mistaken for routine vision changes.The condition can also progress gradually and initially affect only one eye, making changes harder to recognise. Routine eye examinations may not always detect early keratoconus without specialised corneal assessment, Dr. Mahipal said.Warning signs to watch for include:Increasing myopiaProgressive or irregular astigmatismFrequent changes in spectacle prescriptionsReduced visual clarity despite corrective lensesGhosting, glare or double vision in one eyeDifficulty driving at nightIncreasing astigmatism despite repeated spectacle corrections is an important warning sign that warrants further evaluation.Read More: Sudden Floaters, Flashes Or Blurred Vision? When Should You Seek Emergency Care For Retinal ChangesHow Can You Prevent Corneal Damage? Preventing excessive eye rubbing and managing its underlying causes can help reduce avoidable stress on the cornea.1. Break the eye-rubbing habitAvoid pressing or massaging closed eyelids.Use a cold compress when your eyes itch.Avoid rubbing your eyes even through a towel or handkerchief.Keep children's fingernails short to minimise accidental injury.2. Treat underlying allergiesIf itching triggers eye rubbing, consult an ophthalmologist about appropriate treatment. Options may include topical antihistamine or mast-cell stabiliser drops, such as olopatadine or ketotifen.Other measures include:Using preservative-free artificial tears for irritationTreating associated blepharitis or dry eyeAvoiding prolonged use of topical steroid drops without medical supervision3. Reduce exposure to environmental triggersAvoid dust, smoke and known allergensWear protective glasses outdoorsAvoid direct airflow from air conditioners. 

eye rubbing may increase keratoconus risk: how this everyday habit can damage your cornea

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