Why does Oedipus say he stabbed his eyes?

Oedipus's decision to stab his eyes is deeply rooted in his profound guilt and despair after realizing the truth about his actions—specifically, that he has fulfilled the tragic prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. By blinding himself, he symbolically represents his inability to bear the sight of his family's suffering and the chaos that unfolds as a result of his hubris and ignorance.

The act of self-mutilation serves as a drastic measure to atone for his horrific deeds and is an expression of his wish to no longer witness the consequences of his fate. Oedipus's statement reflects his overwhelming remorse; he feels that by taking away his physical sight, he is also protecting himself from the emotional and psychological agony tied to the vision of his family's misery. This tragic moment encapsulates the theme of sight and blindness in the play, illustrating that true understanding often lies beyond mere physical perception.