Why do people rub their eyes after waking up in the morning? If you do this too, find out the reason from a doctor..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 26 Jan, 2026
Morning Eye Rubbing Causes: Often, people rub their eyes as soon as they wake up in the morning. Whether children or adults, most people have this habit. After rubbing their eyes, people feel that they have had enough sleep and feel refreshed. Have you ever wondered why people rub their eyes first thing in the morning? According to health experts, after sleeping all night, our eyes become dry, and the area around the eyes feels tired. To get rid of this feeling, people rub their eyes. This is a kind of natural reflex that helps to provide comfort and awaken the eyes. However, doctors clearly state that rubbing your eyes is very harmful and everyone should avoid it.

Dr. Tushar Grover, Medical Director and Ophthalmologist at Vision Eye Center in New Delhi, explained that the biggest reason for rubbing eyes in the morning is dryness. During sleep, without blinking, the moisture in our eyes decreases, causing dryness in the eyes upon waking up. Because of this, people start rubbing their eyes. This activates the tear glands, and tears are produced. This provides immediate relief. However, doing so can cause significant damage to the eyes. Another reason for rubbing eyes could be allergies or itching. Due to pollution and dust, the eyes may itch, and people start rubbing them.
Dr. Grover explained that rubbing the eyes increases blood circulation and activates the muscles around the eyes. This is a way to awaken the eyes in the morning. Rubbing the eyes provides temporary relief, but it can damage the cornea, leading to infections and serious problems. This can cause blurred vision, redness, swelling, and infection. Rubbing the eyes too hard can cause serious damage. People who already have eye problems or have undergone eye surgery should absolutely avoid rubbing their eyes.

Now, the question is, how to avoid rubbing your eyes in the morning? Doctors say that if you experience discomfort in your eyes in the morning, it's best to wash them with clean water. This provides relief from swelling and dryness. If the itching is due to allergies, using artificial tear drops as advised by a doctor can be beneficial. Additionally, reducing screen time and getting enough sleep also helps keep the eyes refreshed. If you experience significant problems every morning, consult a doctor for an examination.
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