Sometimes, contact lenses can be uncomfortable. This is especially true when you first start wearing them or if you’re dealing with dry eye. Still, you should never rub your eyes while wearing contact lenses. While it might be instinctive to relieve irritation or itchiness with a quick rub of your eyes, doing so while wearing contacts can pose significant risks to your eye health.
If you wear contacts, you need to understand the potential harm this habit can cause and adopt safer alternatives to protect your vision.
Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes with Contacts
Rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts may seem harmless, but it can lead to serious problems that affect both your lenses and your eye health. Here’s why eye-rubbing should be avoided:
Damage to the Cornea
The cornea, the clear outer layer of your eye, is highly sensitive. Rubbing your eyes can cause tiny scratches or abrasions on the cornea, especially if you’re wearing contact lenses. These abrasions can make your eyes more susceptible to infections and complications.
Increased Risk of Eye Infection
Your hands carry bacteria and dirt—even if you just washed them. Rubbing your eyes while your lenses are in can transfer these harmful substances to your lens, where they’ll remain in your eye. This can increase the risk of infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis. Such infections can be painful and, in severe cases, can have long-term consequences for your vision.
Contact Lens Damage
Contact lenses are very thin, so a vigorous rub can move your lenses out of place or even tear them. Displaced or torn lenses can, of course, irritate your eyes, but you’re also not going to get the clear vision you’ve come to expect. When your lenses are damaged, you’ll need to replace them to continue wearing them comfortably and safely.
Why You Shouldn’t Rub Your Eyes—Even Without Contact Lenses
Even if you aren’t currently wearing contact lenses, rubbing your eyes can still pose serious risks to your eye health. The delicate structure in and around your eyes can become damaged from excessive pressure, leading to broken blood vessels and increased internal eye pressure.
Keratoconus is another potential consequence of repeated eye rubbing. This progressive eye condition occurs when the cornea begins to thin and bulge outward into a cone-like shape. Eye rubbing can weaken the corneal structure, accelerating the keratoconus’s development.
This condition can lead to distorted vision and may require interventions such as specialized contact lenses or, in severe cases, surgical procedures like corneal cross-linking or corneal transplant.
Safe Alternatives to Relieve Irritated Eyes
When your eyes itch or feel irritated, it’s natural to want relief. But there are better ways to manage these sensations than rubbing your eyes. Here are some safe alternatives you can try:
- Use lubricating eye drops: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (commonly known as artificial tears) can soothe dryness and provide relief from irritation. Look for drops labeled as contact lens-safe if you plan to use them without removing your lenses.
- Clean your contact lenses: If it feels like something is stuck under your lenses, remove them and rinse them with a sterile, saline-based solution. Never use tap water or saliva. Cleaning your lenses can often resolve discomfort without resorting to eye rubbing.
- Cold compress: Applying a clean, cold compress to your closed eyelids can provide soothing relief for itchy eyes caused by allergies or irritation.
These alternatives can address irritation safely, so your eyes—and lenses—stay healthy and comfortable. If your irritation persists, it’s worth talking to your optometrist.
Proper Contact Lens Care Is Crucial
One of the most effective ways to prevent irritation that may make you want to rub your eyes is through diligent contact lens care. Follow these essential tips:
- Clean your lenses daily: Use a recommended contact lens cleaning solution to disinfect your lenses thoroughly. Avoid using tap water, as it can introduce harmful microorganisms.
- Follow your replacement schedule: Dispose of and replace your lenses according to your eye care professional’s recommendations, whether they are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.
- Store lenses properly: Always store your lenses in a clean case filled with sterile contact lens solution. Never reuse old solution, as doing so can diminish its effectiveness. Replace your case about every 3 months.
- Wash your hands first: Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses to minimize the risk of transferring dirt or germs.
Long-Term Tips for Maintaining Eye Health with Contacts
Keeping your eyes healthy while wearing contact lenses requires ongoing care and attention. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to protect your vision:
- Schedule regular eye check-ups to ensure your lenses fit properly and your prescription is up to date.
- Use high-quality contact lens cleaning solutions recommended by your eye doctor.
- Protect your eyes from allergens and irritants, such as pollen or dust, by wearing sunglasses outdoors.
- Give your eyes a break by switching to glasses occasionally, especially after long hours of lens wear.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to maintain natural moisture in your eyes.
Protect Your Vision with Old Town Optix Optometry
Your eyes deserve the best care, especially if you rely on contact lenses to enhance your vision. If you’ve been dealing with discomfort, scratchiness, or frequent irritation, Old Town Optix Optometry is here to help.
Our experienced team can provide personalized guidance so your lenses can feel as great as they work. Healthy eyes start with smart decisions, so take the first step toward better eye care now! Book your appointment today.
