A strange, momentary sound coming from your eye, often described as a squeak, squish, or click, is usually caused by simple physical mechanics. The sound indicates a temporary disruption in the eye’s natural lubricating system or the movement of air within the tear drainage pathways. Though the noise itself is harmless, it signals that your eyes are experiencing friction or pressure. Understanding the specific cause is the first step toward finding a quick solution.
Identifying the Source of the Sound
The eye’s surface is constantly coated by a thin, three-layered tear film designed to ensure the eyelid glides smoothly over the eyeball with every blink. When this film is compromised or insufficient, the resulting friction between the eyelid and the eye’s surface generates a subtle, audible sound, often described as a squeak or squish. This friction-based noise is most noticeable when the eye is dry, forcing the eyelid to drag instead of slide across the corneal surface.
A different type of squeak or popping sound often occurs when pressure is applied to the eye, such as during rubbing. This sound is caused by the displacement of air within the lacrimal system, not friction. Tears drain from the eye through tiny openings called puncta, leading into the nasal cavity via the nasolacrimal duct. If air enters the system, external pressure (like rubbing) forces the trapped air and fluid out through the puncta, creating a squishing or squeaking noise as it escapes.
Common Causes of Eye Friction
The most frequent reason for a friction-based squeak is dry eye. The tear film must be stable and complete for proper lubrication; disruption increases the likelihood of the eyelid catching or dragging across the eye. Decreased blinking during prolonged screen use can cause the tear film to evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye surface unprotected.
The tear film consists of water, mucus, and an outer lipid (oil) layer produced by the meibomian glands in the eyelids. If these glands are not functioning correctly, the tear film lacks the necessary oil to prevent rapid evaporation. This causes the eye to dry out and increases friction. Environmental conditions, such as low humidity, direct airflow from fans or air conditioners, or fatigue, can worsen this dryness.
For contact lens wearers, the lens introduces an additional surface that can cause friction and noise. A squeak may indicate that the contact lens is drying out, or that deposits like protein, makeup residue, or bacteria have accumulated on the surface. Additionally, a poor contact lens fit can create uneven surfaces or edges that increase resistance when the eyelid moves.
Small foreign particles, such as dust, pollen, or microscopic debris, can become trapped between the eyelid and the eye. These irritants create unevenness on the eye’s surface, generating noise and discomfort when the eyelid moves over them. Seasonal allergies increase irritants and often lead to itching, which encourages eye rubbing and the subsequent noise from air displacement.
Immediate and Simple Fixes
The fastest way to resolve eye friction is by restoring the tear film using lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears. These over-the-counter drops supplement the eye’s natural moisture, allowing the eyelid to glide smoothly over the surface. Opting for preservative-free formulations is recommended, especially if used frequently, as preservatives can sometimes cause irritation.
If the squeak is related to extended screen use, consciously adjusting your viewing habits can help maintain moisture and reduce dryness. Following the 20-20-20 rule is a simple technique: every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This practice helps relax the focusing muscles and encourages a natural, full blink, which is essential for re-coating the eye with tears.
For contact lens wearers, sudden discomfort or squeaking requires immediate action to prevent irritation or potential damage. Remove the lens, inspect it for debris or damage, and clean it thoroughly with fresh solution before reinserting it, or replace it with a fresh lens. If the lens is difficult to remove, applying a drop of artificial tears can rehydrate the lens and make removal easier.
Maintaining proper eyelid hygiene addresses friction caused by debris or oil buildup. Gently washing the eyelids with a mild cleanser removes foreign particles and excess oils that might be clogging the meibomian glands. Using a warm compress also helps, as the heat encourages the oil glands to release their lubricating contents, improving tear film stability and reducing the chance of a frictional squeak.