Why Do My Eyes Squeak?

By Brooke Ellis on May 11, 2020 @ 10:00 AM

Rumbling stomach, ringing ears, cracking joints, whistling nose. We’re inclined to investigate when our bodies make odd noises—even more so thanks to “Dr. Google,” a.k.a. the Internet. While most occurrences are expected (and usually harmless), some are more offbeat, like squeaking eyes.

Concept of social accusation of guilty businesswoman many fingers pointing at isolated on grey office wall background. Portrait scared anxious embarrassed woman biting fingernails

What causes eyes to squeak?

You might rub your eyes if you are tired, have allergies, or are trying to remove a stray eyelash. It is almost involuntary. But what does it mean when you do this, and your eyes seem to produce a squeaking sound? Do not worry; the cause is harmless!

Woman listening to music with headphones at the park

What is the squeaking noise?

The squeaking noise is escaping air trapped in the lacrimal system—the structure housing the tear ducts. When you rub your eyes, you manipulate and put pressure on the tear duct, which causes a “squishing sound of air and tears.”

Every part of our bodies is connected in some way. When you have a toothache, for example, the lymph nodes in the area sometimes swell up to help you fight the infection. Because our eyes and nose are connected (you get a runny nose from crying), air can enter the eye’s lacrimal sac through the duct that connects it to the nose.

Too much work tired sleepy young woman sitting at her desk with books in front of laptop computer isolated grey wall office background. Busy schedule in college, workplace, sleep deprivation concept

How do I treat my squeaking eyes?

Squeaking eyes can be uncomfortable and even concerning at times. Luckily, there are some things you can do to take care of your eyes:

Make sure you are getting adequate sleep and rest - tired eyes can often squeak due to dryness and irritation.
Avoid rubbing your eyes excessively - this can also cause irritation and squeaking
Use eye drops or artificial tears to help lubricate the eyes and prevent dryness.
Maintain good hygiene and avoid using expired eye makeup or contact lenses - this avoids potential infections that may cause squeaking
If the problem persists or becomes more severe consult an eye specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

While not as off-putting as eye boogers or painful like a scratched cornea, squeaking eyes might cause concern. Rest assured that there is no cause for alarm. And if you are looking to learn more about your vision health, download our FREE eBook below!