Like many, you may think that eye discharge is “gross”, but it serves an important purpose—protecting your eyes. Find out more about it, and why sudden changes in the amount, color, or texture could be a sign of a health problem that needs to be addressed by an eye care professional.
While you’re awake, your body’s tear film continuously replenishes, moisturizing your eyes. Every time you blink, you flush away any extra mucus, tears, dead skin cells, allergens or debris that may have accumulated. This is generally what eye discharge is made of. When your eyes are healthy, this system goes largely unnoticed, and may only be recognizable in the morning after you’ve slept. That’s when this natural cleaning process slows down and may lead to a buildup of discharge, or “sleep.” When your eye discharge becomes noticeable, whether because of a change in color or amount, it’s important to reach out to a doctor to check on the health of your eyes, as it could indicate a problem.
Below are some common signs that your eye discharge may be cause for concern. If you’re experiencing changes in your eye discharge that worry you, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is inflammation of the thin membrane lining your eyelids and covering your eyeball. This inflammation could be caused by viruses, bacteria, irritating substances like makeup, or allergens. Depending on the cause, your body may produce clear, white, or thick yellow/green discharge that can harden and cause your eyelids to stick together when you wake up.
Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the clear front part of your eye. It can be triggered by things like infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), irritating substances or extreme dryness. Symptoms may include pain, redness, and discharge that might be sticky or thick.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that often leads to crusty discharge, as well as irritation around the eyelash margins. It can stem from conditions like dermatitis, allergies, or clogged oil glands. People with blepharitis may notice red, swollen eyelids with crusty foreign materials upon waking. This discharge can be foamy, yellow, or green, causing additional discomfort and even itchiness.
A stye is a painful bump on the eyelid caused by an infected oil gland or hair follicle. A lot of times, it looks like a pimple. In addition to the noticeable bump, a stye can cause yellow pus discharge from the eye, redness, and swelling in the affected area. Avoid squeezing or touching the stye to help prevent the bacteria from spreading.
This condition occurs when your tear ducts become blocked, causing tears and discharge to back up and get infected. Dacryocystitis can be painful and might require medical attention.
Symptoms typically include a swollen mass near the inner corner of the eye, redness, and a sticky discharge. You may experience blurred vision as well.
Dry eyes happen when your eyes don’t produce enough tears. This can be caused by aging, environmental factors like allergies, or medical issues. Ironically, dry eyes can lead to excessive eye mucus. When there’s isn’t enough moisture on the surface of the eye, your body may react by producing stringy mucus as a way to compensate.
Changes in the look and feel of your eye discharge can signal that there’s a problem, and you’re your own best advocate for your eye health. If you’re experiencing eye discharge that’s concerning to you, schedule an appointment with a medical professional.
How your eye discharge is treated depends on the diagnosis your doctor makes and the treatment they recommend. Depending on the cause, they may recommend:
Applying a warm, damp cloth over your closed eyelids for several minutes can help loosen crusty discharge and relieve irritation. Just make sure to use a separate cloth for each eye.
If you wear contacts, always clean your lenses properly and avoid wearing them longer than recommended. If your eyes are irritated or discharging more than usual, wear glasses and call your doctor.
If you suspect an infection or irritation, it's a good idea to stop wearing eye makeup temporarily, as it can worsen the situation. To help avoid makeup-related eye issues in the first place, use it sparingly and always remember to remove it at the end of each day.
Drinking enough water to maintain good hydration and/or using over-the-counter artificial tears if your doctor recommends it may help maintain moisture in dry eyes, minimizing stringy discharge. Talk to your healthcare provider if you find that over-the-counter options aren’t effective.
Consult your eye care professional for more information. Johnson & Johnson does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.
