Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Is it possible to poke your eye out by rubbing it excessively?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
NO: Chronic and vigorous rubbing of the eye may lead to conjunctival irritation or keratoconous but it isn't possible to poke the eye out. Now, some psychologically disturbed patients may express self-mutilation but this is extreme. Rubbing of the eyes is sometimes seen in small children who cannot see well. Best to get an exam to determine the underlying cause.
Answered 9/30/2011
6.3k views
No: Nothing's impossible, but the eye is very well attached in the orbit, by both the optic nerve, 6 extraocular muscles and multiple soft tissue attachments. It take significant trauma to forcefully remove an eye. If by "poking your eye out" you mean just penetrating it or rupturing it, this is more plausible, but would still require significant force.
Answered 3/9/2015
5.5k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Why might it be that my eyes burn when I am rubbing them?
3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
I keep rubbing my eyes but I am not tierd I do where reading glasses can you help?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I feel like there is something inside my eye, but there's nothing? I got that feeling after rubbing my eye
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Pain above eyes and pressure since I got glasses a year ago, especially when looking up or to the sides. Can't stop rubbing eyes! What is this?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
What can I do to ease eye pain after excessive rubbing?
If have to rub excessively to get all the crust out of my eyes, is it bad for my vision?
Willthe cornea touch or rub against the iris when the eye is rubbed or the cornea is poked?
I'm addicted to rubbing my eyes, what to do?
Why do my eyes feel irritated and i feel the need to keep rubbing them?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
