When your eyes itch, it's a natural instinct to rub them. However, this habit is actually bad for your eyes. At Exquisite Eye Care in Houston, we can determine the root cause of your itchy eyes and provide effective treatment.
Common Causes of Itchy Eyes
It's maddening to avoid rubbing your eyes when they are itchy or irritated, so it's important to understand the cause and get the issue treated promptly. Eye allergies are one common cause of itchy eyes. Eye strain can also cause you to rub your eyes. Eye strain can also cause headaches and blurry vision. Lastly, dry eyes may be the culprit. In many cases, artificial tears may be helpful for these issues.
The Dangers of Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes might seem innocent, but it does pose dangers to your eye health.
• Aesthetic Issues: Everyone wants their eyes to look clear and beautiful. However, rubbing your eyes can cause tiny blood vessels to burst, giving you bloodshot eyes. It can also cause wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes.
• Worsening Allergy Symptoms: If your eyes are itchy because of allergies, rubbing them actually makes it worse. Rubbing may introduce more of the allergen into your eyes. It also releases histamine. Histamine is a substance produced by your body that causes the symptoms of an allergy when your body is exposed to the allergen.
• Risk of Infection: Your eyes are very susceptible to infection. When you rub your eyes, you can introduce bacteria. These bacteria can grow, leading to an eye infection.
• Damage to Your Vision: The most important reason you shouldn't rub your eyes is that it can damage your vision.
Rubbing your eyes can thin the cornea, a condition known as keratoconus, which can cause blurry vision. In some people, it makes myopia, or nearsightedness, worse as well. Rubbing your eyes can increase eye pressure and cause nerve damage if you have glaucoma. Because it increases eye pressure, it increases your risk of a retinal tear or detachment. If you have a foreign body in your eye, rubbing it can cause abrasions, or scratches, on your eye.
Contact an Optometrist Near You in Houston, TX
If you need an eye doctor in Houston, TX, contact our team at Exquisite Eye Care. We offer eye care services, including eye exams and treatment for common eye conditions.