Vision Source Mandan Blog

Rubbing Your Eyes Can Do More Harm Than Good

The urge to rub your eyes is natural when you’re tired, or when they itch! However, think twice next time. Rubbing your eyes may provide temporary relief, but doing so can have harmful side effects.

Three Good Reasons To Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

#1 Rubbing Your Eyes Can Contribute To Dark Circles

Consistently rubbing your eyes can break the tiny blood vessels that surround your eyes. Over time, this can give you that shadowy, tired look around your eyes.

#2 Dirty Hands Cause Eye Infections

We use our hands for everything, so they accumulate dirt and germs. When we touch our eyes without washing our hands first, we risk transferring germs and bacteria. These germs can can cause infections like pink eye, and other problems—including a greater risk for colds and the flu.

#3 Rubbing May Cause Permanent Damage

There are many reasons why your eyes may itch. The most obvious is that you have something in your eye. Using your hand to rub it out can scratch and permanently damage your cornea. If the itchiness is caused by allergies, rubbing can release more histamines (allergens) into the area around your eyes, and make the itchy feeling worse.

Rely On Your Eyes’ Natural Defenses

Our eyes naturally produce tears to flush out irritants. If your eyes are dry, try using eye drops to relieve the itch.  If you have consistently itchy eyes, contact one of our Vision Source doctors! He or she can help you figure out the problem.

Top image by Flickr user Mish Sukharev used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.


Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

Read More

Need to Schedule an Appointment?
WE ARE Accepting New Patients

Your vision is precious—trust it to the experienced team at Vision Source Mandan, where we treat you like family
while providing the highest standard of eye care available in the Bismarck-Mandan area.