The experience of a strange, often squishy or crinkling sound when pressure is applied to the eye is common, and it can be unsettling for those who notice it. This phenomenon is usually a benign consequence of the eye’s anatomy interacting with external force.
The Physical Mechanism Causing the Noise
The sound you hear is typically not the eyeball itself, but rather the movement of air and fluid within the structures that surround the eye. The most frequent cause is the rapid expulsion of air and tears from the lacrimal drainage system. Tears drain through tiny openings on the eyelid margins called puncta, which lead into the lacrimal sac and eventually down into the nose via the nasolacrimal duct.
When you rub your eye, the external pressure compresses the lacrimal sac, forcing any trapped air or fluid to be pushed through these narrow drainage channels. This mechanical action creates a vibration or “squeak” as the air-fluid mixture is quickly squeezed out, similar to the sound made by pressing a wet sponge. The noise is more noticeable when you are tired or have allergies because your eyes may be producing more tears or have slight swelling that further constricts the drainage pathways.
Another source of the crinkling or popping noise is the eyelid tissue itself. The thin skin of the eyelid can create a distinct crinkling sound as it is compressed and moved against the underlying globe and orbital bone. Air bubbles can sometimes become temporarily trapped beneath the eyelid, and rubbing causes these pockets of air to burst or shift, producing a subtle popping or squishing sensation.
Why Rubbing Your Eyes is Risky
While the noise is harmless, the act of rubbing the eye carries several short- and long-term health risks. One immediate danger is corneal abrasion, a scratch to the cornea’s outermost layer, the epithelium. If a foreign body, like a speck of dust or dirt, is in the eye, rubbing grinds the object against the sensitive surface, resulting in pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
The physical force of rubbing can also cause a spike in intraocular pressure (IOP). Studies show that a forceful rub can elevate the pressure inside the eye by 80 to over 300 mmHg for a few seconds. While the pressure quickly returns to normal, this acute fluctuation can be damaging over time, particularly for individuals with glaucoma where the optic nerve is already compromised.
A chronic risk is the mechanical damage that leads to keratoconus. This disorder involves the cornea thinning and bulging into a cone-like shape, severely distorting vision. Repetitive, intense rubbing weakens the collagen fibers in the cornea, making it susceptible to this deformation.
The hands are a vector for pathogens, and rubbing the eye easily transfers bacteria and viruses to the eye’s surface. This can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Introducing germs causes redness, discharge, and further irritation, creating a cycle that encourages more rubbing.
When to Seek Professional Advice
The sound alone is not a cause for alarm, but symptoms associated with eye discomfort or rubbing may signal a more serious underlying issue. You should consult an eye care professional if the noise is accompanied by noticeable pain or persistent redness that does not resolve quickly. These symptoms indicate a severe corneal abrasion or an infection requiring prescribed treatment.
Sudden changes in vision should prompt an immediate visit to a doctor. This includes new or increased flashes of light, a shower of floaters, or any sudden blurring of sight. These visual disturbances suggest a problem with the retina or vitreous gel that requires prompt evaluation to prevent permanent vision loss.
If you experience a persistent noise or a strange swishing sensation when moving your eyes, even without rubbing, it could be a sign of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome. This rare disorder involves a defect in the bone of the inner ear, causing internal body sounds, including the movement of the eyeballs, to be amplified. Any persistent discharge, swelling, or a continuous urge to rub the eyes should be checked to address the root cause, such as severe allergies or dry eye syndrome.