What happens if I accidentally rub my eye after surgery?
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A single accidental rub is unlikely to cause harm, and the eye is usually more resilient than the instructions make it sound. Report it to the clinic if it was forceful or if your vision changed afterwards.
- Subject
- Surgery journey
- Topic
- Recovery & aftercare
- Kind of question
- What is…
- Last reviewed
- 9 November 2026
In more detail
The instructions about not rubbing exist mainly because repeated rubbing in the early period can disturb healing. Rubbing becomes more of a concern after a flap procedure, which is why eye shields are sometimes used at night.
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Where this answer sits
It is one of 483 answers in the vision and eye health knowledge base, filed under The surgery journey in Recovery & aftercare . The subject page carries the answers either side of it, and the hub is searchable.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace an examination by a qualified eye-care professional.
General answers cannot tell you what is happening in your own eyes. Only an examination by a qualified ophthalmologist can do that.