Secretion from eyes
Eye Discharge: Causes, Types and Treatment
By Aimee Rodrigues; reviewed by Pamela Miller, OD, FAAO, JD, FNAP
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What is eye discharge?
Eye discharge, or "sleep" in your eyes, is a combination of mucus, oil, skin cells and other debris that accumulates in the corner of your eye while you sleep. It can be wet and sticky or dry and crusty, depending on how much of the liquid in the discharge has evaporated.
Other slang terms used to describe eye discharge include eye mattering, eye boogers, eye gunk, eye pus and goopy eyes.
Sometimes called "rheum," eye discharge has a protective function, removing waste products and potentially harmful debris from the tear film and the front surface of your eyes.
Your eyes produce mucus throughout the day, but a continuous thin film of tears bathes your eyes when you blink, flushing out the rheum before it hardens in your eyes.
When you're asleep — and not blinking — eye discharge collects and crusts in the corners of your eyes and sometimes along the lash line, hence the term "sleep" in your eyes.
Some sleep in your eyes upon waking is normal, but excessive eye discharge, especially if it's green or yellow in color and accompanied by blurry vision, light sensitivity or eye pain, can indicate a serious eye infection or eye disease and should be promptly examined by your eye doctor.
Where does eye mucus come from?
Eye discharge (rheum) is a function of your tear film and a necessary component of good eye health. It primarily consists of thin, watery mucus produced by the conjunctiva (called mucin), and meibum — an oily substance secreted by the meibomian glands which helps keep your eyes lubricated between blinks.
Causes of eye discharge
Sleep in your eyes usually isn't cause for alarm, but if you notice a difference in consistency, color and quantity of eye gunk, it could indicate an eye infection or disease.
Common eye conditions associated with abnormal eye discharge include:
Conjunctivitis
Eye discharge is a common symptom of conjunctivitis (pink eye), an inflammation of the conjunctiva — the thin membrane that lines the "white" of the eye (sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids.
Thick, yellow eye discharge can be caused by an eye infection.
In addition to itchy, gritty, irritated and red eyes, conjunctivitis typically is accompanied by white, yellow or green eye mucus which can form a crust along the lash line while you sleep.
In some cases, eyelid crusting can be so severe that it temporarily seals your eye shut.
There are three types of pink eye: viral, bacterial and allergic.
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is caused by a virus such as the common cold or herpes simplex virus. Eye discharge associated with viral pink eye typically is clear and watery, but may include a white or light yellow mucus component.
Bacterial conjunctivitis, as the name indicates, is caused by bacterial infection and can be sight-threatening if not treated promptly. Eye discharge is usually thicker and more pus-like (purulent) in consistency than viral pink eye, and is commonly yellow, green or even gray.
Often, the sticky mattering will cause your eyelids to feel completely glued shut upon waking in the morning.
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens — pollen, dander, dust and other common irritants that cause eye allergies. It also can be caused by an allergic reaction to chemical pollutants, makeup, contact lens solutions, and eye drops. Eye discharge associated with allergic conjunctivitis is typically watery.
Unlike viral and bacterial pink eye, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and always affects both eyes.
Other eye infections
In addition to conjunctivitis, there are many eye infections that cause abnormal eye discharge. These include: eye herpes (a recurrent viral eye infection), fungal keratitis (a rare but serious inflammation of the cornea) and Acanthamoeba keratitis (a potentially blinding infection typically caused by poor contact lens hygiene or swimming while wearing contacts).
Discharge from an eye infection varies considerably — it could be clear and watery or thick, green and sticky — so make sure you see your eye doctor promptly for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Blepharitis
A chronic disorder of the eyelids, blepharitis describes either inflammation of the eyelash hair follicles or abnormal oil production from the meibomian glands at the inner edge of the eyelids. A related condition called Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can cause foamy eye discharge, eyelid crusting, as well as yellow or green eye pus, among other irritating and often painful symptoms.
Stye
A stye is a clogged meibomian gland at the base of the eyelid, typically caused by an infected eyelash follicle. Also called a hordeolum, it resembles a pimple on the eyelid margin and is commonly accompanied by redness, swollen eyelids and tenderness in the affected area. Yellow pus, eyelid crusting and discomfort while blinking also can occur.
An eye stye usually resolves on its own, but there are also some home remedies for styes you can try. It's important to refrain from squeezing the pus from a stye to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other areas of the eye.
SEE ALSO: Why you should never pop a stye
The tear drainage system keeps the eye moist and protected.
Dry eyes
Insufficient tear production or dysfunction of the meibomian glands can lead to dry eye syndrome — an often chronic condition in which the surface of the eyes is not properly lubricated and becomes irritated and inflamed.
Symptoms of dry eyes include red, bloodshot eyes, a burning sensation, blurry vision and a feeling something is "in" your eye (foreign body sensation). Sometimes, dry eyes also can cause a very watery eye discharge to occur.
Contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, you may find more sleep in your eyes than normal. This can be due to a number of reasons, including a contact lens-related eye infection, contact lens discomfort resulting in dry and irritated eyes, as well as rubbing your eyes more while wearing contacts.
If you experience an increase in eye discharge when wearing contacts, remove your lenses and see your eye doctor to rule out a potentially serious eye condition.
Eye injury
A foreign body in the eye (such as dirt, debris or a chemical substance) or an eye injury can cause your eyes to secrete a watery discharge as a natural protective response.
If eye pus or blood in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage) occurs after an eye injury, see your eye doctor immediately for treatment. All eye injuries should be treated as a medical emergency.
Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is a sight-threatening, abscess-like infection of the cornea, usually caused by trauma to the eye or an untreated eye infection. If not treated promptly, corneal ulcers can lead to complete vision loss. Eye pain, redness, swollen eyelids and thick eye discharge are characteristic of a corneal ulcer. Eye pus can be so severe that it clouds the cornea and impairs vision.
Dacryocystitis
When a tear duct is blocked, the lacrimal sac in the tear drainage system leading to the nose can become inflamed and infected, causing a tender and swollen bump to appear under the inner eyelid.
In addition to pain and redness, common symptoms of dacryocystitis include watery eyes, a sticky eye discharge and blurred vision.
Eye discharge treatment
A small amount of eye discharge is harmless, but if you notice changes in the color, frequency, consistency and amount, consult your eye doctor.
If an eye infection is the cause of eye mucus, your eye care practitioner may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops and ointments. If eye allergies are making your eyes watery and irritated, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops and decongestants may relieve symptoms.
Warm compresses placed over your eyes may help relieve symptoms of itching and general eye discomfort, as well as help remove eye goop.
If your eyelids are stuck together, the best way to "unglue" your lids is to wet a washcloth in warm water and place it over your eyes for a few minutes before gently wiping away the eye gunk.
At-home checklist
Follow these simple tips to avoid or manage eye discharge:
Refrain from touching your eyes to avoid the onset or spread of an eye infection.
Wash your hands frequently, especially if you have contagious pink eye.
If you experience eye discharge when wearing contacts, remove your lenses and see your eye doctor. Sometimes switching to daily disposable contacts or a different contact lens material can reduce the risk of contact lens-related discharge.
If you have an eye infection, discard any potentially contaminated cosmetics such as mascara and eyeliner, as well as current contacts, which may be contaminated.
If allergies are the cause of your watery eyes, investigate your environment and try to remove or minimize your exposure to the irritants. And if you're sensitive to eye drops, try using preservative-free drops.
Note for Parents
Babies and blocked tear ducts
Many babies are born with obstructed tear ducts — the tubes that drain tears from the surface of the eyes to the nasal cavity — causing watery eyes and (sometimes) eye discharge.
Symptoms of a blocked tear duct include a constant pooling of tears in the eye (even when the child isn't crying), which can spill onto the cheek. Sticky eye mucus also may be present, especially collecting on the eyelid margin and causing the eyelashes stick together.
To help relieve symptoms, keep the area clean by regularly wiping your baby's eyes with a clean, moist cloth. Gently massage the inner corner of your infant's eyes to help to open or unblock the tear duct.
While most cases of blocked tear ducts resolve over the first several months of a child's life, at the first signs of a blocked tear duct always see your baby's eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to rule out a more serious problem.
If your infant's eyes are producing a thick yellow or green discharge, or there is redness and swelling around the eyes, this could indicate an eye infection that should be evaluated by your eye doctor straightaway.
SEE RELATED: Eye discharge in toddlers and babies
Page published on Monday, March 4, 2019
Medically reviewed on Friday, April 30, 2021
White Eye Discharge: Causes, Treatment, and More
Overview
White eye discharge in one or both of your eyes is often an indication of irritation or an eye infection.
In other cases, this discharge or “sleep” may just be a buildup of oil and mucus that accumulates while you’re resting. White eye discharge may not be an initial cause for concern in some cases, but medical attention is still recommended to ensure your condition does not cause damaging complications.
Common irritants may be to blame for your white eye discharge. However, there are also a number of conditions that can cause eye irritation, discharge, and general discomfort.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, more commonly referred to as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelid. When blood vessels in this membrane become inflamed, it causes your eye to appear pink or red in color. Conjunctivitis can be a common infection, often caused by bacteria or a virus. In many cases, conjunctivitis can be contagious.
Other than eye redness, symptoms associated with this infection include:
- itchiness
- discharge in one or both eyes
- tearing
- pain
- grittiness or irritation
Treatment for pink eye typically focuses on relieving symptoms.
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops and recommend applying cold compresses to help with discomfort. If you experience pink eye as an allergy symptom, your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication and allergy medication.
Allergies
Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, is an immune response that occurs when your eye is irritated by allergens such as pollen or dust. This form of conjunctivitis can affect one or both eyes, and may also be accompanied by congestion and eye discharge. Other symptoms associated with eye allergies include:
- itchiness
- burning
- swollen eyelids
- runny nose
- sneezing
Allergy medication and associated shots may be helpful in treating eye allergy symptoms. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops to relieve inflammation and discomfort. However, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction and eye irritation is to avoid the known allergen, if possible.
Corneal ulcer
In more extreme cases of dry eye or infection, you may develop a corneal ulcer.
The cornea is a clear membrane that covers the iris and the pupil. When it becomes inflamed or infected, an ulcer can form and may cause white eye discharge. Other symptoms associated with corneal ulcers include:
- eye redness
- pain
- excessive tearing
- difficulty opening your eyelid
- sensitivity to light
Most cases of corneal ulcers require treatment. If they are causing significant pain, you may need antibiotic treatment. In severe cases, if a corneal ulcer permanently affects your vision or causes lasting damage, a cornea transplant may be necessary.
You should consult your doctor if your eye discharge becomes excessive or doesn’t improve after a week. In more severe cases, your eye discharge may occur with other symptoms such as pain and impaired vision.
If you begin to experience adverse symptoms alongside your eye discharge, or if you notice an irregular-colored discharge, seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs of a more serious underlying condition.
White eye discharge can be caused by a number of eye conditions. In some cases, this symptom is no cause for alarm. However, if it becomes excessive or is accompanied by irregular symptoms, you should visit a doctor. There are home treatments to help with symptoms, but antibiotics and other professional medical attention may be necessary to improve your condition.
Discharge from the eyes - "Clinic Chaika"
The human eye is covered with a thin mucous film that performs a protective function. A small amount of mucous discharge from the eyes in the morning after sleep is normal. But there are situations when there are a lot of secretions, they change their color and consistency, bring discomfort and irritation in the eyes.
The most common causes of discharge from the eyes are:
- Inflammatory diseases of the eyelids (blepharitis), mucous membrane of the eyelids and the eyeball (conjunctivitis), cornea (keratitis), lacrimal ducts (dacryocystitis, canaliculitis).
Discharge from the eyes of an inflammatory nature is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. nine0008 - Non-inflammatory diseases (dry eye syndrome, impaired normal function of the glands of the eyelids).
Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
Blepharitis may be staphylococcal (caused by a staphylococcal infection), seborrheic (accompanies seborrheic dermatitis), demodicosis (caused by the Demodex mite) or may be associated with a malfunction of the glands of the eyelids. The nature of the discharge in blepharitis is often thick, pasty or frothy, the discharge accumulates in the corners of the eyes, causing the eyelashes to stick together. With all blepharitis, in addition to discharge from the eyes, there may be a burning sensation, itching in the eyelids, a feeling of heaviness of the eyelids, discomfort and dryness of the eyes. nine0003
Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyelids and the eyeball)
The most common forms of conjunctivitis are bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis.
It can also be caused by gonococcal and chlamydial infections.
- Viral inflammation is accompanied by profuse lacrimation, mucous secretions, redness and irritation of the eyes. Viral conjunctivitis can occur both independently and against the background of a deterioration in general well-being.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by profuse purulent discharge, leading to eyelashes sticking together and eyelids sticking together in the morning. Other common complaints with this form of inflammation are redness, gritty, and burning sensations in the eyes. nine0008
- Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by profuse mucous discharge, similar to lacrimation; the patient may be disturbed by itching, swelling and severe redness of the mucous membrane of the eye.
Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
The most common are bacterial, viral and fungal keratitis. As a rule, with all types of keratitis, mucous discharge appears.
Also characterized by profuse lacrimation, high sensitivity to light, severe pain and inability to open the eyes. nine0003
Dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac) and canaliculitis (inflammation of the lacrimal ducts)
The cause of dacryocystitis and canaliculitis is a bacterial infection that causes profuse mucous or mucopurulent discharge in the calm eye. When pressing on the lacrimal sac, a mucopurulent discharge is released through the tubules. Diseases appear with swelling in the inner corner of the eye, tearing, pain and redness.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome most often occurs against the background of increased tear evaporation. The reason for this may be dysfunction of the glands of the eyelids, insufficiency of blinking movements, wearing contact lenses, environmental factors. Characteristic signs - a feeling of dryness, burning, periodic blurred vision, sometimes mucous filamentous discharge.
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When to see a doctor
If there is any discharge from the eyes, accompanied by discomfort, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist. In the absence of proper and timely treatment, the condition can worsen, the disease can become chronic.
Why there is mucus in the eyes. How to treat eye discharge in a child.
From All About Vision
Eye discharge is a combination of mucus, fat, skin cells, and other particles that accumulate in the corners of the eyes during sleep." They may be wet and sticky or dried out, depending on how much fluid is present. managed to evaporate.0003
Mucous secretions have a protective function, flushing waste products and potentially dangerous particles from the tear film and the anterior surface of the eye.
Throughout the day, the eyes secrete mucus, but the ever-present tear film bathes your eyes with every blink, removing the secretions before they have time to harden.
When you sleep and do not blink, the discharge accumulates and dries up in the corners of the eyes, and sometimes along the lash line. accompanied by blurry vision, sensitivity to light or eye pain may indicate a serious eye infection or eye disease. Therefore, you should immediately contact an optometrist.
FIND AN OCULIST OR OPTICS SHOP NEAR YOU : Whether you need an eye exam or are ready to buy glasses or contact lenses, our locator will help you find a safe place nearby.
Where does eye discharge come from? nine0065
The discharge from the eyes consists mainly of a watery mucous secretion (mucin) produced by the conjunctiva and the secretion of the meibomian glands, an oily substance that helps to moisten the eyes between blinks.
Those impurities that are not washed away by tears accumulate in the inner corners of the eye and along the lash line. ""
Causes of discharge from the eyes the consistency, color, or amount of discharge, this may indicate an infection or eye disease.
nine0003 Common eye conditions with abnormal eye discharge include:
Conjunctivitis. Discharge from the eyes is a common symptom Conjunctivitis Inflammation of the thin membrane that lines the "alkaline" of the eye (the sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids.
In addition to itching, stinging, irritation and redness of the eyes , conjunctivitis is usually accompanied by white, yellow or green mucus that may form a crust along the eyelash line during sleep. In some cases, the crust formed on the eyelid can be so dense that it does not allow you to open your eyes. nine0003
There are three types of conjunctivitis:
Viral conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is caused by the common cold or herpes simplex virus. Eye discharge from viral conjunctivitis is usually clear and watery, and may include white or yellowish mucus.
Bacterial conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis, as the name suggests, is caused by a bacterial infection.
If not promptly treated, it can pose a threat to vision. Eye discharge from bacterial conjunctivitis is usually thicker and purulent (like pus) than from viral conjunctivitis, and is usually yellow, green, or even gray in color. In the morning after sleep, patients often cannot open their eyelids, which are completely stuck together with secretions. nine0003
Allergic conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by allergens - pollen, dandruff, dust and other common irritants that cause eye allergy . It can also be caused by an allergic reaction to chemical pollutants, cosmetics, contact lens solutions, and eye drops. In allergic conjunctivitis, the discharge from the eyes is usually watery. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious and always affects both eyes.
Other eye infections
In addition to conjunctivitis, there are many eye infections that cause abnormal eye discharge. For example:
-
Herpes ocularis (recurrent viral eye infection)
-
Fungal keratitis (a rare but serious inflammation of the cornea)
-
while wearing contact lenses).
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The discharge from an eye infection varies greatly - it can be clear and watery or thick, green and sticky, so you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Blepharitis
Chronic disease of the eyelids, blepharitis, is either an inflammation of the eyelash hair follicles or an abnormal secretion of the meibomian glands at the inner edge of the eyelids.
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Also called MGD, this sebaceous gland disorder in the eyelid can cause foamy discharge from the eyes, sticky eyelids, yellow or green pus, and irritation and pain.
Barley
Barley is a blockage of the meibomian gland at the base of the eyelid, usually caused by an infected eyelash follicle. Also called hordeolum, it resembles a pimple at the edge of the eyelid and is usually accompanied by redness, swelling of the eyelids, and tenderness at the site of the lesion.
Yellow pus, sticking of the eyelids, and discomfort when blinking may also occur. nine0003
SEE. ALSO: How to Get Rid of Styes
The tear duct system provides moisture and protection to the eyes.
Dry eye
Inadequate tear production or dysfunction of the meibomian glands can lead to dry eye syndrome , a frequently chronic condition in which the surface of the eye is not properly lubricated, becoming irritated and inflamed. Symptoms include reddened, bloodshot eyes, a burning sensation, blurred vision, and a foreign body sensation in the eye. "" Sometimes dry eyes can also cause very heavy watering. nine0003
Contact lenses
When wearing contact lenses, there may be more discharge from the eyes than usual. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including eye infection from contact lens wear, contact lens discomfort resulting in dry and irritated eyes, and contact lens wearers rubbing their eyes more frequently.
If you notice more discharge due to contact lenses, remove your lenses and see an optometrist to rule out a potentially serious eye disease. nine0003
Eye injury
A foreign body in the eye (such as dirt, particles or a chemical) or eye injury may cause watery discharge as a natural defense reaction. If after eye injury you notice pus or blood in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage), contact your optometrist immediately for treatment. All eye injuries should be treated as an emergency.
Corneal ulcer
A corneal ulcer is a vision-threatening abscess-like infection of the cornea, usually caused by trauma to the eye or an advanced eye infection. If left untreated, corneal ulcers can lead to permanent vision loss. Corneal ulcers are characterized by pain, redness, swelling of the eyelids, and thick discharge from the eyes. The discharge of pus can be so strong that it causes clouding of the cornea and blurred vision.
Dacryocystitis
When the lacrimal duct is blocked, inflammation and infection of the lacrimal sac in the drainage system of the lacrimal apparatus can occur, resulting in a painful and swollen bump under the inner eyelid. In addition to pain and redness, common symptoms of dacryocystitis include watery eyes, sticky discharge from the eyes, and blurry vision. nine0003
Eye discharge treatment
A small amount of eye discharge is harmless, but if you notice changes in color, frequency, consistency and amount, contact your optometrist.
If mucus in the eyes is due to an eye infection, the optometrist may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral eye drops and ointments. If an eye allergy is causing watery eyes and irritation, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops and decongestants may help relieve symptoms. nine0003
Warm compresses help soothe itching and general discomfort, and remove discharge from the eyes.
For sticky eyelids, soak a kitchen towel in warm water and place it over your eyes for a few minutes, then gently wipe the discharge.
