Why Do My Eyes Squeak?

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

When our bodies make strange noises we tend to get curious. like a rumbling stomach, ringing ears, cracking joints, or a whistling nose. This curiosity is heightened by the Internet, aka "Dr. Google." Most of these noises are normal and harmless, but some, like squeaking eyes, are a bit unusual.

Key Takeaways:

Squeaky eyes occur when air gets trapped in the tear duct system
You may notice the squeaking sound when rubbing your eyes or blinking
Help prevent eye squeaking by getting enough sleep, avoiding rubbing your eyes, using eye drops, and not using expired eye makeup or contact lenses
If the squeaking persists or worsens consult an eye specialist

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What causes eyes to squeak?

You might rub your eyes when you're tired or have allergies, or if you are trying to get rid of a stray eyelash. It's almost automatic. But what does it mean if your eyes make a squeaking sound when you do this? Don't worry; it's harmless!

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What is the squeaking noise?

The squeaking noise happens when air gets trapped in the tear duct system. If you rub your eyes, you are pressing on the tear duct. A "squishing" sound is caused by the air and tears.

All parts of our bodies are linked in some way. For instance, if you have a toothache, the nearby lymph nodes might swell to help fight the infection. Similarly, our eyes and nose are connected. When you get a runny nose from crying air can move into the eye’s tear sac through the duct that links it to the nose.

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How do I treat my squeaking eyes?

Squeaking eyes can be bothersome and sometimes worrying. Fortunately, there are simple ways to care for your eyes:

Ensure you get 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 worsens, consult an eye specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Squeaking eyes might worry you. However, they're not as unpleasant as eye boogers or as painful as a scratched cornea. There's no need to be alarmed. If you want to learn more about your eye health, download our FREE eBook below!