Stop the rub: controlling what drives it
Most rubbing starts with an itch. Treat what causes the itch, and the rubbing stops.
Break the itch–rub cycle
Part 03 · 01Rubbing presses and shears an already weak cornea. Repeated rubbing adds up, even when it feels gentle.
Rubbing also irritates and inflames the eye surface, which makes it itchier, so the cycle feeds itself.
Four ways to break it
Part 03 · 02Stop rubbing
No rubbing at all, not even gently. When your eyes itch, use a cold compress or chilled lubricating drops instead.
Treat allergy
Prescription anti-allergy drops break the itch–rub cycle. If your allergies are seasonal, starting early helps.
Treat lid disease
Blepharitis and lid inflammation are treated in clinic with IPL, radiofrequency and gland expression.
Dry eye and lid care →Mind your sleep position
Avoid sleeping face down, or with a hand or pillow pressed against your eye.
Blepharitis with keratoconus: three don’ts
Part 03 · 03 · ImportantNo heat
No heat masks or warm compresses.
No rubbing
Not even gentle rubbing.
No home massage
No meibomian gland massage at home.
Standard blepharitis home care puts heat and pressure on a weakened cornea. If you have keratoconus, don’t use heat masks, warm compresses or lid massage at home unless we have specifically told you to.
At home: gentle lid hygiene
Clean along the lash line with a lid cleanser, without pressing on the eye.
In clinic: expression is safe
We place a paddle behind the lower lid, so the pressure goes onto the paddle, not the cornea.
Key takeaways
Part 03- 01Rubbing is the biggest risk factor you can change: no rubbing at all
- 02Treat the itch: allergy drops, lid disease care and sleep position
- 03With keratoconus: no heat, no rubbing, no home lid massage
Book a keratoconus assessment.
Itchy eyes, or lid problems you’re tempted to rub? We’ll treat what’s driving it.
General health information only, not personal advice. Everyone’s eyes are different. An optometrist or doctor should examine you before any treatment is decided.