Can one damage your eyes by rubbing the sleep out of them?

I’ve NEVER heard of it happening, but logically speaking, I would think it might be possible if you rubbed them the wrong way.

You can damage the skin around the eyes if you are too rough. That would hurt. If your eyes are crusty in the morning, soften it up first with a warm wet washcloth and gently remove it, then wash your face.

Not a good idea to rub your eyes with your bear hands/fingers. Use a tissue like Kleenex.

I wash my eyes each morning by splashing water flowing from a faucet. Dry with clean towel.

Don’t rub or press on your eyes too hard. Light touch.

Don’t do it with your eyes open; close your eyelids first,

Sure is you have that crusty gunk that gets inside and you rub you eye. Ouch.