Washing the eyes kindly is not detrimental if:
- the washing movements are soft, and not exerted against the eyeball
- the water used for washing and rinsing is clear.
I have commonly observed subtle corneal deformations which may be caused by repeated eye frictions, and it is probably better to develop a technique for cleaning the eyelids and removing the makeup which does not incur vigorous and extended massage of the corneas. It may be preferable to « rub » the eyelid against the orbital bones (around the eye) than use the globes as « cushions ».