{"id":1829,"date":"2026-09-01T08:03:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T08:03:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/?p=1829"},"modified":"2026-09-01T08:03:42","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T08:03:42","slug":"why-do-we-rub-our-eyes-when-tired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/why-do-we-rub-our-eyes-when-tired\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do We Rub Our Eyes When We\u2019re Tired?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When your eyes feel heavy after a long day, rubbing them can be almost instinctive. Tiredness often comes with dryness, eye strain, or irritation, especially after hours of screen time or too little sleep.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rubbing briefly spreads moisture across the surface of the eyes and massages the muscles around them, which explains why it can feel so satisfying in the moment. The relief does not last long, though, and rubbing too often or too forcefully can leave your eyes more irritated than before. It can also transfer dirt and germs from your hands or cause tiny scratches on the cornea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\n  STUDENT TIP CARD \u2014 WordPress embed snippet (inline, not a popup)\n  Paste this into a \"Custom HTML\" block wherever in your post\/page\n  you want the card to appear \u2014 it just sits in the flow like a\n  regular paragraph, no overlay, no JS needed.\n=============================================================== -->\n<style>\n  .protip-card-inline {\n    font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;\n    background: #ffffff;\n    border-radius: 20px;\n    border: 1px solid #eef0f3;\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(20, 25, 40, 0.08);\n    padding: 28px 32px 32px 28px;\n    max-width: 620px;\n    margin: 28px auto;\n  }\n  .protip-card-inline .protip-title {\n    margin: 0 0 10px 0;\n    font-size: 19px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: #14213d;\n    line-height: 1.3;\n  }\n  .protip-card-inline .protip-body {\n    margin: 0;\n    font-size: 15px;\n    line-height: 1.55;\n    color: #3f5a8a;\n  }\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\n    .protip-card-inline {\n      padding: 24px 22px 26px 22px;\n    }\n  }\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"protip-card-inline\">\n  <h3 class=\"protip-title\">Try the 20-20-20 Rule<\/h3>\n  <p class=\"protip-body\">Use this technique during long periods of screen time. Every 20 minutes, look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds, then blink slowly several times. This gives your focusing muscles a short break and helps refresh the tear film, which can reduce the dryness and strain that tempt you to rub your eyes. If dryness continues, ask your eye doctor about lubricating drops that are compatible with your contact lenses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-54375ecbac1583b676c9fd9c0e8d9a1e\" style=\"color:#2461aa\"><strong>The Risks of Rubbing Your Eyes With Contacts In&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts can turn a moment of relief into lingering discomfort. The pressure can shift the lens away from the center of the eye, fold it beneath the eyelid, or cause it to tear. It can also press dust or other small particles trapped beneath the lens against the cornea, leaving the eye red, watery, or irritated.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, rubbing can create a small corneal scratch that makes blinking painful and causes sensitivity to light. Even when no injury occurs, repeated rubbing can disturb the way the lens sits and leave your vision temporarily blurry. If the discomfort continues after the lens is removed, or you notice pain, discharge, strong redness, or changes in vision, stop wearing contacts and speak with an eye doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-1-2026-01_18_43-PM-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1831\" style=\"width:642px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-1-2026-01_18_43-PM-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-1-2026-01_18_43-PM-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-1-2026-01_18_43-PM-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-1-2026-01_18_43-PM.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41bbaa5d6eabe5ac48ba7c8a4ae24a87\" style=\"color:#2461aa\"><strong>Everyday Eye Care for Contact Lens Wearers&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-367b081904c342b902f65084e2f3205e\" style=\"color:#2461aa\"><strong>Wash and Dry Your Hands Before Touching Your Eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your hands come into direct contact with your lenses every time you insert, adjust, or remove them, so a quick rinse is not enough. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel before touching your eyes or contacts. Avoid oily or heavily fragranced soaps because residue can transfer to the lens and cause irritation or blurry vision. If a lens feels out of place during the day, clean your hands before trying to adjust it instead of rubbing your eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bf6f52741175514e729f3f082b13087f\" style=\"color:#2461aa\"><strong>Prevent Skincare and Makeup From Reaching Your Lenses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sunscreen, moisturizer, makeup, and other personal care products can leave oils or particles on contact lenses. Insert your contacts before applying makeup, and remove them before taking makeup off so cleansers do not become trapped beneath the lenses. Apply sunscreen carefully around the eyes and leave a little space along the eyelids and lash line. Waterproof and powdery products can be especially difficult to remove once they reach a lens, so gentle application matters. Explore more practical habits in our guide to [summer eye care] for contact lens wearers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-41e522837b426bfcab0ad8982b1d51f1\" style=\"color:#2461aa\"><strong>Avoid Water While Wearing Contact Lenses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Water and contact lenses do not mix, even when the water looks clean. Tap water, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans can contain microorganisms that become trapped between a lens and the eye, increasing the risk of a serious infection. Remove your contacts before swimming or showering, and never use water to rinse or store them. If water accidentally reaches your lenses, remove them as soon as possible. Replace <a href=\"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/contacts\/group96.asp\">daily disposables<\/a> with a fresh pair, or clean and disinfect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/contacts\/group98.asp\">monthly lenses<\/a> according to your eye doctor\u2019s instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7b39ab107afc8a89d888d270b724c3dd\" style=\"color:#2461aa\"><strong>Remove Contact Lenses Before Sleeping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed lenses for overnight wear, take your contacts out before going to sleep, including before a short nap. Closed eyelids already reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, and sleeping in lenses restricts it further while giving germs more time to remain against the eye. You may wake up with lenses that feel dry, tight, or difficult to remove, but forcing them out can irritate the eye. Use approved lubricating drops if needed, wait for the lenses to move freely, and seek care if you notice lasting pain, redness, discharge, light sensitivity, or blurred vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- ============================================================\n  FAQ SECTION \u2014 WordPress embed snippet\n  Paste this entire block into a \"Custom HTML\" block, or into\n  your theme via a Code Snippets plugin.\n\n  Click any question to expand\/collapse its answer. The first\n  question is open by default; only one answer is open at a time.\n=============================================================== -->\n\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Inter:wght@400;500;600;700&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n\n<style>\n  .fq-wrap {\n    --fq-ink: #16232b;\n    --fq-blue: #2461aa;\n    --fq-blue-tint: #eaf1fa;\n    --fq-slate: #566270;\n    --fq-line: #e3e8e8;\n    font-family: 'Inter', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\n    max-width: 640px;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    padding: 8px 16px;\n  }\n\n  .fq-card {\n    background: #ffffff;\n    border: 1px solid var(--fq-line);\n    border-radius: 4px;\n    box-shadow: 0 20px 40px rgba(18, 35, 43, 0.08);\n    overflow: hidden;\n  }\n\n  .fq-header {\n    padding: 28px 30px 20px;\n  }\n\n  .fq-title {\n    margin: 0;\n    font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    font-size: 21px;\n    color: var(--fq-ink);\n  }\n\n  .fq-list {\n    border-top: 1px solid var(--fq-line);\n  }\n\n  .fq-item {\n    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--fq-line);\n  }\n\n  .fq-item:last-child {\n    border-bottom: none;\n  }\n\n  .fq-question {\n    width: 100%;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    gap: 16px;\n    background: none;\n    border: none;\n    text-align: left;\n    padding: 18px 30px;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    font-family: 'Inter', sans-serif;\n    font-size: 14.5px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: var(--fq-ink);\n  }\n\n  .fq-question:hover {\n    background: #fafcfc;\n  }\n\n  .fq-question:focus-visible {\n    outline: 2px solid var(--fq-blue);\n    outline-offset: -2px;\n  }\n\n  .fq-icon {\n    flex: none;\n    width: 20px;\n    height: 20px;\n    position: relative;\n  }\n\n  .fq-icon::before,\n  .fq-icon::after {\n    content: '';\n    position: absolute;\n    background: var(--fq-blue);\n    border-radius: 2px;\n    top: 50%;\n    left: 50%;\n    transition: transform 0.2s ease, opacity 0.2s ease;\n  }\n\n  .fq-icon::before {\n    width: 12px;\n    height: 2px;\n    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);\n  }\n\n  .fq-icon::after {\n    width: 2px;\n    height: 12px;\n    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);\n  }\n\n  .fq-item.is-open .fq-icon::after {\n    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(90deg);\n    opacity: 0;\n  }\n\n  .fq-item.is-open .fq-icon::before {\n    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) rotate(180deg);\n  }\n\n  .fq-answer-wrap {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-rows: 0fr;\n    transition: grid-template-rows 0.3s ease;\n  }\n\n  .fq-item.is-open .fq-answer-wrap {\n    grid-template-rows: 1fr;\n  }\n\n  .fq-answer-inner {\n    overflow: hidden;\n  }\n\n  .fq-answer {\n    margin: 0;\n    padding: 0 30px 22px;\n    font-size: 13.5px;\n    line-height: 1.6;\n    color: var(--fq-slate);\n    background: var(--fq-blue-tint);\n  }\n\n  .fq-item.is-open .fq-answer {\n    padding: 4px 30px 22px;\n  }\n\n  .fq-footer {\n    padding: 16px 30px;\n    background: var(--fq-blue-tint);\n    border-top: 1px solid var(--fq-line);\n  }\n\n  .fq-footer p {\n    margin: 0;\n    font-size: 12px;\n    color: var(--fq-slate);\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"fq-wrap\">\n  <div class=\"fq-card\">\n    <div class=\"fq-header\">\n      <h3 class=\"fq-title\">Learn More About Tired Eyes and Contacts<\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fq-list\" id=\"fqList\"><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fq-footer\">\n      <p>Always confirm any product or routine change with your eye care provider.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\n  (function () {\n    var faqs = [\n      {\n        q: \"Can a Contact Lens Get Lost Behind Your Eye?\",\n        a: \"No. The tissue connecting your eyelid to your eye prevents a contact lens from moving behind the eyeball, though it can fold or become trapped beneath the upper eyelid.\"\n      },\n      {\n        q: \"Why Do My Eyes Itch More at the End of the Day?\",\n        a: \"Long hours of contact lens wear, screen use, dry air, allergies, or an unstable tear film can make irritation more noticeable later in the day. Remove your lenses if blinking or approved lubricating drops do not help.\"\n      },\n      {\n        q: \"Can Rubbing Your Eyes Change Their Shape?\",\n        a: \"Frequent and forceful eye rubbing has been associated with changes to the cornea, particularly in people with keratoconus or a higher risk of developing it. Occasional gentle contact is unlikely to reshape a healthy cornea, but repeated hard rubbing should be avoided.\"\n      },\n      {\n        q: \"What Should I Do After Accidentally Rubbing My Eye With a Contact Lens In?\",\n        a: \"Check whether the lens is still centered and whether your vision feels normal. If you notice pain, redness, persistent blurriness, or a sensation that something is trapped in your eye, remove the lens and avoid wearing contacts until the irritation has settled.\"\n      },\n      {\n        q: \"When Does Contact Lens Irritation Need Medical Attention?\",\n        a: \"Contact an eye doctor promptly if irritation comes with eye pain, intense redness, discharge, light sensitivity, swelling, or sudden changes in vision. Remove your contacts and do not put them back in unless your eye doctor says it is safe.\"\n      }\n    ];\n\n    var list = document.getElementById('fqList');\n\n    faqs.forEach(function (faq, i) {\n      var item = document.createElement('div');\n      item.className = 'fq-item' + (i === 0 ? ' is-open' : '');\n\n      var btn = document.createElement('button');\n      btn.className = 'fq-question';\n      btn.type = 'button';\n      btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', i === 0 ? 'true' : 'false');\n      btn.innerHTML = '<span>' + faq.q + '<\/span><span class=\"fq-icon\"><\/span>';\n\n      var answerWrap = document.createElement('div');\n      answerWrap.className = 'fq-answer-wrap';\n      answerWrap.innerHTML = '<div class=\"fq-answer-inner\"><p class=\"fq-answer\">' + faq.a + '<\/p><\/div>';\n\n      btn.addEventListener('click', function () {\n        var willOpen = !item.classList.contains('is-open');\n        Array.prototype.forEach.call(list.children, function (el) {\n          el.classList.remove('is-open');\n          el.querySelector('.fq-question').setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false');\n        });\n        if (willOpen) {\n          item.classList.add('is-open');\n          btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'true');\n        }\n      });\n\n      item.appendChild(btn);\n      item.appendChild(answerWrap);\n      list.appendChild(item);\n    });\n  })();\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When your eyes feel heavy after a long day, rubbing them can be almost instinctive. Tiredness often comes with dryness, eye strain, or irritation, especially after hours of screen time or too little sleep.&nbsp; Rubbing briefly spreads moisture across the surface of the eyes and massages the muscles around them, which explains why it can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":1832,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[63,21,27],"semantictags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1829"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1829"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1829\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1835,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1829\/revisions\/1835"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1832"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1829"},{"taxonomy":"semantictags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.contactsamerica.com\/vision\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/semantictags?post=1829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}