Rubbing Eyes Can Permanently Deform Your Cornea, Warns Doctor

As of November 15, 2025, a family medicine physician based in England, Dr. Sermed Mezher, has cautioned against the common habit of rubbing one's eyes. In a recent Instagram post, Dr. Mezher addressed the potential consequences of this behavior, which can lead to permanent deformation of the eye.

While the popping sound heard when rubbing eyes is normal, as it is just air entering the tear duct, the physician emphasized that eye rubbing itself is not a normal or healthy practice. Many people have made it a persistent habit, often as a first instinct when their eyes itch. However, Dr. Mezher warned that the damage caused by excessive eye rubbing can be extensive and irreversible.

According to the doctor, when eye rubbing becomes excessive, it can actually permanently deform the eye, a condition known as keratoconus. An MRI scan shared by Dr. Mezher shows how the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, loses its rounded shape and bulges outward due to the deformation. Tragically, there is no cure for keratoconus, and the only way to restore the eye's normal shape is through a corneal transplant, a major surgical procedure.

To prevent this damage from occurring, the physician advises people to stop rubbing their eyes and instead address the underlying issues causing eye irritation, such as undiagnosed allergies, excessive screen time, contact lens problems, or exposure to irritants. By solving the root cause, the need to rub the eyes can be eliminated, effectively preventing the development of keratoconus and other irreversible eye conditions.