The human eye is a marvel of engineering, a delicate window to the world. But sometimes, a seemingly harmless habit like rubbing your eyes can inflict lasting damage. This is the cautionary tale of Muhammad Zabidi, a young Malaysian man who recently underwent a cornea transplant due to excessive eye rubbing.
Zabidi’s story, shared on TikTok, highlights the importance of eye care and how everyday actions can have unintended consequences. According to reports, Zabidi, only 21 years old, had a habit of rubbing his eyes constantly since childhood, likely due to allergies. While rubbing may bring temporary relief from irritation or itchiness, it can cause significant damage to the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye responsible for focusing light.
Over time, the constant friction from rubbing thinned and scarred Zabidi’s cornea. This resulted in blurred vision in his right eye, which progressively worsened. Finally, at the age of 15, he sought medical attention. Doctors diagnosed him with severe corneal damage and informed him that a cornea transplant, a surgical procedure where a damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea, was his only option to regain his vision.
Zabidi’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers of chronic eye rubbing. While it’s a natural reflex to rub your eyes when they feel irritated or itchy, doing so frequently can weaken the cornea, making it susceptible to infections and abrasions. In severe cases, like Zabidi’s, it can lead to keratoconus, a condition where the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing distorted vision.
Thankfully, cornea transplants are relatively successful surgeries with a high rate of improvement in vision. The procedure involves removing the damaged cornea and stitching a healthy donor cornea. Cornea transplants come from deceased donors who have chosen to donate their organs and tissues.
Zabidi’s experience emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent eye problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and eliminate the need for a corneal transplant. Here are some tips for healthy eyes:
Avoid eye rubbing: Lubricate your eyes with artificial tears or use a cool compress if your eyes itch.
Manage allergies: If allergies are the culprit, consult your doctor about allergy medications or eye drops.
Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to avoid transferring bacteria to your eyes.
Schedule regular eye checkups: An eye doctor can identify potential problems early on.
Zabidi’s story is a wake-up call for all of us. Our eyes are precious, and we must take care of them. By adopting healthy habits and seeking professional help when needed, we can safeguard our vision and prevent the need for invasive procedures like corneal transplants. Remember, a gentle touch is all it takes to keep your eyes healthy and your world focused.
