Eye discharge—what it is and what it might mean

Q: What helps get rid of discharge from your eyes?

To help manage eye discharge, you can gently cleanse the area with a warm, moist wash cloth to help loosen and remove mucus and crusting. You should avoid rubbing the eyes and if you have any concerns, or symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Q: How do I know if my eye discharge is viral or bacterial?

Contact your doctor any time you have eye discharge that raises concerns. It’s important to know that discharge can come from other sources than infection. See a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, but a general rule is that infectious bacterial discharge tends to be thicker and colored (yellow or green) compared to infectious viral discharge.

Q: When should I worry about eye discharge?

You should seek medical attention if you are at all uncertain or have concerns that the discharge is not normal.

Q: Does bacterial conjunctivitis go away on its own?

While it is possible that your body's immune system may be able to fight off a mild case of bacterial conjunctivitis over days to weeks, seeking medical care may greatly shorten your recovery time. You should seek the care of an eye care professional if you are concerned that you may have bacterial conjunctivitis.

Published on July 22, 2025

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4 minute read time

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Rely on your doctor for diagnosis and treatment

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What helps get rid of discharge from your eyes?

How do I know if my eye discharge is viral or bacterial?

When should I worry about eye discharge?

Does bacterial conjunctivitis go away on its own?