Accidentally touching or lightly rubbing the eye once is common and usually does not undo surgery, but it is important to monitor symptoms.
Immediate steps after rubbing
Stay calm and avoid further rubbing. Check how the eye feels over the next few minutes.
- If you wear a shield, make sure it is still in place correctly
- Use lubricating drops if the eye feels dry or gritty
- Note any sudden pain, blur, or visible bleeding
- Avoid heavy lifting or straining for the rest of the day
When to contact your clinic
Firm rubbing or poking can disturb flaps, wounds, or stitches. If you are unsure how hard you rubbed, it is always acceptable to ask for advice.
- Call your surgical team if pain, redness, or vision changes follow
- Seek emergency care for a sudden curtain, many floaters, or sharp pain
- Use your shield at night to reduce the risk of rubbing in your sleep
- Explain what happened at your next follow-up, even if everything feels fine
