When your eyes are itchy, your first instinct may be to rub them, but rubbing can actually make the problem worse. It can increase irritation, redness, and swelling and may damage the delicate surface of the eye.
Why should you avoid rubbing your eyes?
- It can increase itching: Rubbing may temporarily feel relieving, but it can trigger more irritation and make you want to rub again.
- It can worsen swelling: Pressure and repeated rubbing can increase inflammation around the eyes.
- It can spread germs: Your hands can carry bacteria, viruses, dust, or allergens. Touching your eyes can transfer these substances and potentially contribute to an eye infection.
- It can irritate the eye surface: Frequent or vigorous rubbing can cause small injuries to the delicate tissues around and on the eye.
- It can worsen allergies: If pollen, dust, or another allergen is causing the itching, rubbing can spread the allergen around the eye.
What should you do instead?
When your eyes feel itchy, wash your hands and place a clean, cool, damp cloth over your closed eyes for 10–15 minutes. This can provide soothing relief without putting pressure on the eyes. You can repeat the cool compress several times during the day if needed.
Try to keep your hands away from your face, especially when you are outside or around dust and pollen. If you wear contact lenses, remove them if your eyes are irritated and avoid wearing them until your symptoms have settled.
If eye itching and swelling are severe, persistent, or accompanied by eye pain, vision changes, marked redness, light sensitivity, or discharge, consult an eye-care professional promptly.