Why does rubbing eye feel good

The front of the eye can develop problems too, as pressure on the cornea can cause problems on its own, plus that gritty feeling that seems to be both causing and solving the itch isn't good for a lens that needs to be clear and scratch-free.

If those potential problems aren't enough, rubbing can increase the dark circles under the eye because the pressure bursts small blood vessels beneath the skin. We all know rubbing your eyes is a natural reaction to factors like tiredness and dry eye, but there's not much to be gained from giving into the temptation besides very temporary relief. Doctors recommend using a cool, damp washcloth laid across the eyes to relieve itching, stay up-to-date on allergy medications if you're prone to pollen-induced problems and take a time out instead of rubbing eyes when stressed.

These symptoms are commonly associated with the following conditions :. It may be exacerbated during seasonal variations in the weather, or triggered by unknown factors. Itch can be severe, and rubbing triggers a non-stop « itch-rub-itch » cycle.

Rubbing stimulates the release of histamine, which in turn causes redness, itch and the desire to rub. Individuals who sleep on their stomachs or with their eyes buried in the pillow « pillow hugging » , are often exposed throughout the night to allergens in the bed, pillow or linen , resulting in an allergic conjunctivitis and the need to rub the eyes excessively upon awakening in the morning.

Common irritants include cosmetics , personal care products, dust, chlorine in pool water , dust particles in the atmosphere and expired eye drops. Rubbing eyes with dirty hands transmits a host of irritants into the eye, including bacteria, fungus, viruses and allergens.

We also find that patients rub their eyes in the shower eyes irritated by limestone or after the pool eyes irritated by chlorine. Dry eye induces discomfort, irritation, visual fatigue and itch, and eye rubbing can stimulate a reflex tearing which temporarily soothes the ocular surface.

Phosphenes go away once you quit rubbing your eye, but the heightened eye pressure you caused stresses the retina and sometimes causes a retinal tear or detachment.

Are your eyes tired, maybe from too much work looking at a screen? Digital eye strain might be behind your eye rubbing. If that's the case, take regular breaks from the computer or get an eye exam to check whether you need a new vision prescription.

If you rub your eyes during allergy season, avoid that allergy trigger. For example, the Keratoconus Diary offers tips for reducing allergy symptoms to help you to resist the urge to rub your eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis also can lead someone to rub his or her eyes, but that can be dangerous.

Sometimes people get something stuck in their eye and the natural instinct is to rub to try and remove the object. As natural as it is to try to get it out, it is actually the worse idea because rubbing the object against your eye can easily cause a corneal scratch, which is known as a corneal abrasion.

Eye rubbing is the least effective and most dangerous way to get anything out. A corneal abrasion is going to feel much worse for much longer than even the most obtrusive particle of dust! It is pretty obvious that your hands carry more germs than any other part of your body because of all you touch throughout the day. When you rub your eye, these germs are easily transferred and can often cause infections like conjunctivitis or pink eye.

Who knew? Rubbing your eyes can even affect how you look! Eye rubbing causes tiny blood vessels to break which in turn causes blood-shot eyes and those dark, unsightly circles under your eyes that everyone is always trying to avoid or cover with makeup. So duh, STOP! This actually makes the itching even worse.