Do you splash tap water into your eyes every morning to ‘wash’ them? Here’s a word of caution

Does your morning routine include splashing cold water on your eyes to feel fresh? If you are nodding in affirmation, let us inform you that it is — according to Dr Rahil Chaudhary, a Lasik and cataract surgeon — a “very bad habit”. Explaining, he says, “Eyes have tear glands, which have an oil. When you splash water multiple times you wash out the tear fluid — this causes dryness in the eyes. It must be noted that the eyes already have mechanisms to clear out what is not required,” in a conversation with podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia on YouTube.

Agreed Dr Deepali Garg Mathur, principal consultant, ophthalmology, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park and said that our eyes are naturally bathed in tears, “which act as a lubricant act to wash out any debris which goes out in the eye and also act as a barrier for infections”.

Tear fluid naturally contains 3 layers, the water layer, the mucin layer, and the lipids, along with substances like lysozyme, lactoferrin, lipocalin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, glucose, urea, sodium, and potassium. “So many are there in our tears. Some of these substances fight bacterial infection as part of the immune system,” added Dr Mathur.

We find out more.

Turns out that despite being a refreshing ritual, it indeed harms the eyes. The delicate structures of the eye, including the cornea and conjunctiva, are sensitive to the substances we expose them to, added Dr Madhavi Majety, senior cornea, and refractive surgeon, Maxivision Eye Hospitals, Kukatpally.

According to Dr Majety, water can contain impurities or microorganisms that pose a risk to ocular health. “Splashing tap water directly onto your eyes may introduce these contaminants, leading to irritation, infection, or other complications. Moreover, the force of the water stream can disrupt the tear film, which is vital for maintaining the ocular surface’s integrity and clarity of vision,” said Dr Majety.

So, what should be done?

Instead of splashing water directly onto your eyes, Dr Majety recommended “a more gentle approach to eye hygiene”. “Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe the area around your eyes, removing any debris or discharge that may have accumulated overnight. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to follow proper hygiene practices recommended by your eye care professional,” said Dr Majety.

How do you care for your eyes? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

For those seeking a refreshing wake-up routine, consider using preservative-free artificial tears or a gentle eye wash solution specifically formulated for ocular use. These products can help hydrate and cleanse the eyes without the risk of introducing harmful contaminants, added Dr Majety.

Furthermore, incorporating regular eye exams into your healthcare routine is essential for maintaining optimal vision and detecting any potential issues early on. “Your eye care professional can provide personalised guidance on eye hygiene practices based on your individual needs and any underlying conditions you may have,” said Dr Majety.

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