When Should I Be Concerned About Eye Discharge?

Eye discharge is the secretion of non-tear fluids or mucus from the eyes. When you wake up, finding crusty discharge in the corner of your eyes or along your lashes is normal. The eye discharge contains oil, mucus, skin cells, and other debris. Normal discharge accumulates while you sleep. It can be crusty and dry or wet and sticky.
 

What Causes Eye Discharge

Normal eye discharge plays the protective role of removing waste from the eyes. It can help to keep the tear film and eye surface healthy and free from harmful debris. The eyes produce mucus continuously, but the tear film clears the eyes every time you blink. The tears flush out the discharge (rheum) before it can harden in the eyes. During sleep, when you are not blinking, the discharge collects, crusting in the corner of the eyes or lash line.
 

Abnormal Eye Discharge

Having eye discharge when you wake up is normal, but excessive discharge can be concerning. When the discharge is normal, it is usually white or pale cream. Sometimes, the discharge is yellow or green and may be accompanied by light sensitivity, blurry vision, or eye pain. It can be a sign of an infection or eye disease. If you experience excessive or abnormal eye discharge, you need immediate medical attention.
 

What Causes Watery Eye Discharge

If your eyes produce excessive amounts of watery discharge, it could be a symptom of viral conjunctivitis or allergic conjunctivitis. Other symptoms of viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) are redness, discomfort, the sensation of grit, and a white or watery discharge. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are red and itchy eyes, a watery discharge, and eyelid swelling. You may also experience watery eyes combined with coughing or sneezing.
 

What Causes Sticky Eye Discharge

Sticky, yellow, or green discharge could be due to bacterial conjunctivitis. The condition that affects children and adults can also cause difficulty opening the eyes. In infants, the discharge and constantly watery eyes may indicate a blocked tear duct. It occurs as tears fail to drain due to the blockage. You may also notice a small hard lump along the inner eye corner or changes in the eyelid color.
 

When You Should Be Concerned

Several signs can indicate you should be concerned about your eye discharge. If an eye disease or infection is causing the discharge, you will notice signs such as:
 

• Sticky, dark yellow, or green discharge.

• Excessive amounts of discharge.

• Pain or redness in the eye.

• Swelling in and around the eye.

• Blurry vision or light sensitivity.

If you notice the signs, visit an eye doctor. Treatment for eye discharge will depend on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis or red eye usually clears on its own without medication. A cold compress or artificial tears can help to soothe the eyes.
 

Doctors prescribe antihistamine eyedrops or drugs to treat allergic conjunctivitis. To treat bacterial conjunctivitis, the doctor may recommend antibiotic eye drops. If you experience abnormal eye discharge, visit your eye doctor.
 

For more on when you should be concerned about eye discharge, visit ClearView EyeCare at our office in East Providence, Rhode Island. Call (401) 453-5800 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-discharge.htm