Disturbing MRI Footage Shows What Happens When You Rub Your Eyes

Photo byDamien Gatinel/Youtube.

If you've ever rubbed your eyes when they itch, you might want to reconsider after learning what really happens when you do. A simple, seemingly harmless habit could be putting your eye health at serious risk.

Dr. Daniel Gatinel, an ophthalmologist and head of the anterior and refractive surgery department at the Rothschild Foundation, conducted an eye-opening study that captured the terrifying effects of eye rubbing through MRI scans.

The findings? Not only is the visual impact of eye rubbing disturbing, but the potential damage it causes is even more alarming.

The MRI That Went Viral

In 2019, Dr. Gatinel and his team recorded an MRI of a healthy individual rubbing their eyes. The footage, which has recently resurfaced, shows the eye being compressed and distorted in the socket, revealing just how vulnerable our eyes are to even minor physical pressure.

But it’s not just about the unsettling imagery. The real concern lies in what this movement suggests about eye health. Dr. Gatinel's research indicates that rubbing your eyes habitually could contribute to the development of keratoconus, a serious eye condition where the cornea thins and bulges outwards.

The Hidden Dangers of Eye-Rubbing

Keratoconus is more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to significant vision problems, including blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. In severe cases, it may even necessitate a corneal transplant, a complex and risky procedure.

The dynamic MRI that Gatinel captured offers a rare and clear insight into how such conditions could be triggered by something as simple as rubbing your eyes frequently.

"For the first time, dynamic MRI objectivates the effect of eye rubbing on the cornea and adjacent orbital structures," Gatinel explained. He emphasized that this visual evidence strongly suggests that excessive eye rubbing could be a key factor in developing keratoconus and possibly other ocular conditions.

Dr. Gatinel’s findings are supported by a 2019 review that analyzed 24 studies exploring the link between eye rubbing and keratoconus. The review found a significant correlation, noting that frequent eye rubbing contributes to the thinning of keratocyte cells, which can lead to the onset of keratoconus.

Protecting Your Eye Health

Given the seriousness of keratoconus, medical experts urge precautions to avoid it. These precautions can be as simple as resisting the urge to rub your eyes and instead addressing the root causes of eye irritation.

So, what should you do when your eyes itch? The safest approach is to manage the underlying cause of the irritation. This might involve using eye drops recommended by a doctor, avoiding known irritants like contact lenses, or taking other preventive measures.

And the next time you feel the urge to rub your eyes, remember that MRI — and the potential long-term damage it might be revealing. Your eyes are delicate organs, and taking care of them now could save you from serious problems down the road.