Stave off Infection Do Not Rub Eyes

Dr. ZEE Sze Tsing, Jonpaul

Specialist in Infection Diseases

Rubbing eyes may seem harmless, but the consequences could be dire. From enterovirus to even COVID-19, virus can always find their way into your body when you touch your eyes with your hands.  

It is not easy to resist the urge when the eyes feel itchy, especially for those in need of special attention from their carers, e.g. children and the elderly. But a high price can be paid for such a temporary relief. Itchy eyes may have much to do with different causes, including allergic conjunctivitis, bacterial/viral infection or the presence of foreign objects. If you’ve already got infection in one eye, the other may probably suffer the same fate if you cannot help rubbing it with your hands. Therefore, to deal with the problem once and for all, seek medical attention whenever your eyes feel itchy or uncomfortable. 

One of the most common eye-related bacterial infections is periorbital cellulitis, which can be attributable to a myriad of streptococcus and community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The latter is transmitted through close contact and dirtied hands. Early signs of periorbital cellulitis include redness and swelling around the eyes, and it can lead to abscess and even invasion of eye tissue in need of surgical treatment.

The key to staving off bacterial or viral infection is hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water whenever they are dirtied with dust, blood or bodily fluids. Alcohol-based (70 to 80%) hand rub is highly recommended for use.

You are also advised to wash hands under the following circumstances:

• Before touching the eyes, nose and mouth;
• Before eating;
• After toilet use;
• When the hands are contaminated by secretions from the respiratory tract, e.g. after sneezing and coughing;
• After changing diapers for babies or patients, or dealing with their dirtied items;
• After contact with animals, livestock or their excretions;
• After disposal of rubbish;
• After touching escalator handrails, lift buttons or doorknobs;
• After visits to hospitals, residential care homes or taking care of patients; and
• Whenever your hands get dirty.