Jill Beyer, an ophthalmologist and clinical assistant professor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, explains that almost everyone has felt the urge to rub their eyes at some point. When someone rubs their eyes, it can stimulate the production of tears and lubricate the eyes, as explained by Beyer. However, this activity is generally not recommended by eye health experts, especially if done repeatedly.

Rubbing the eyes can cause unnecessary pressure on the eyes and even lead to a serious condition called keratoconus, according to Masako Chen, an ophthalmologist and assistant professor as well as the director of the Comprehensive Eye Clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Therefore, rubbing the eyes can be dangerous. Here is an explanation of how the habit of rubbing the eyes can have an impact and when it is best to seek help from healthcare professionals, quoted from health.com on (24/4).

Selain itu, penyakit mata juga dapat menyebabkan meningkatnya gesekan, seperti blepharitis atau peradangan pada kelopak mata. Selain itu, muncul konjungtivitis virus yang dapat mendorong seseorang untuk mengucek mata lebih sering. Dr. Clark Chang dari Glaukos dan Wills Eye Hospital menyatakan bahwa penggunaan teknologi dan kurangnya kedipan dapat mengakibatkan penguapan lapisan air mata. Kelelahan atau tegangan pada mata yang seringkali dipicu oleh penggunaan layar juga dapat mendorong seseorang untuk mengucek mata.

Beyer explained that rubbing the eyes too hard can cause injury to the cornea. Chen suggested that rubbing the eyes when there is a foreign object in it, such as dust, can also be dangerous. Although rare, rubbing the eyes can have serious consequences. Every time it is done, the pressure on the eyes increases, which over time can damage the cornea and cause thinning, according to Chen. It can also potentially damage collagen fibers and proteins in the eyes, added Chang.

If you feel dry eyes, it is recommended to use artificial eye drops. In addition, if you are aware of the habit of rubbing your eyes when working in front of a computer or in other places that make your eyes tired, Beyer suggests the 20-20-20 principle: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If someone continues to rub their eyes or experiences symptoms such as blurred vision, eye sensitivity, red eyes, pain, or other complaints, it is a sign that consultation with an eye specialist doctor is necessary.