Eye Mucus Discharge: Types, Causes and Treatment
Eye discharge, commonly known as "sleep" in the eyes, is a combination of mucus, oil, skin cells, and other debris that collects in the corner of the eye while you sleep. Depending on the amount of moisture that has evaporated from the discharge, it may be moist and oily or dry and crunchy.
Sometimes called rheum, eye discharge serves a protective function by removing potentially harmful waste products and debris from the tear film and the front surface of the eyes.
Eye discharge is the secretion of fluids or other substances, besides tears, from the eyes. The discharge from the eyes can make it difficult to open the eyelids if they have been closed for long periods, such as during sleep. This effect can be temporary or persistent.
Characteristics of Eye Discharge:
Color and Consistency: Depending on the underlying source, eye discharge can differ in color and consistency. Most secretions will be clear, green, or yellow in color and can vary in consistency from a liquid to a sticky, gel-like substance.
Types
- Conjunctivitis or pink eye : Itchy, red eyes are the result of viral conjunctivitis. Either green, white, or yellow discharge can be seen. A few individuals have a sensation of being stared down. A virus, bacteria, or allergic reaction may be the cause of this.
- Bacterial conjunctivitis or other eye infections : Certain types of conjunctivitis require antibiotics and are bacterial. These infections can make the eye pink and swollen, painful, and cause fever.
- Stye or chalazion : Styes and chalazion are blocked glands in the eyelids. They usually cause swelling or a lump.
- Eye Injury : An injury to the eye, such as a scratched cornea, can cause the eye to become swollen and itchy eye. It might feel like there is something in your eye. If the lesion becomes infected, there may be a thick discharge.
- A blocked tear duct : This can cause thick, sticky eye mucus and can be painful.
- An object in the eye : It's possible for contact lenses to dry up, become lodged in the eye, and roll up close to the upper lid. An eyelash or other little object may potentially irritate the eye. The eye will get extremely wet and sensitive, and it can also start to produce mucus and become light-sensitive.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses
- Bacterial Conjunctivitis : This is a bacterial infection of the eye. The main symptom is the eyelids stuck with pus after sleep. It can be present in 1 or both eyes. Some viruses can cause pus in the eyes, but most cannot.
- Viral Conjunctivitis : This is a viral eye infection. The major sign is the pink color of the whites of the eyes. The eyes are also watery. Most often, there is no pus. Usually on both sides.
- Normal Discharge : A small amount of dry mucus only in the corner of the eye. It may not even be pus. A collection of mucus can be cream-colored. Often due to an irritant that got into the eye with dirty hands. It doesn't need any treatment except cleaning it with warm water.
- Lacrimal duct blocked : Present in 10% of newborns, this condition is characterized by a constant watery eye as tears overflow and trickle down the face. Despite the absence of swelling in the eye or eyelids during non-crying periods, the excessive tear production can lead to secondary infections, resulting in pus accumulation in the eyelids.
- Foreign Objects in The Eye (severe) : Small particles like sand, dirt, or sawdust can get into the eyes. Sand often sticks under the upper eyelid. If it is not removed, the eye reacts by producing pus. The main clue is an eye infection that does not respond to antibiotic drops.
- Cellulitis of the eyelid (severe) : This condition involves a severe infection affecting the eyelid and its surrounding tissues. The main symptoms include a red, swollen, and highly sensitive eyelid, often leading to closure of the eye due to swelling, typically affecting only one eye.
Treatment
- A small amount of eye discharge is benign, but consult your eye doctor if you notice differences in color, frequency, consistency, or amount.
- If an eye infection causes eye mucus, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral eye drops.
- Eye allergies leading to watering and irritation can be relieved with decongestants and over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops.
- Warm compresses placed over the eyes can help alleviate itching and discomfort and aid in clearing eye discharge.
- To unstick eyelids, apply a warm washcloth over your eyes for a few minutes before gently wiping away the discharge.
When to see a Doctor?
You should see your doctor if your eye discharge becomes excessive or does not improve after a week. In more severe cases, your eye discharge can occur with other signs like pain and vision problems.
- The eyelid is very red or very swollen.
- Vision is blurry
- The pain or discomfort in the eyes is more than mild
- A fever over 104 ° F (40 ° C)
- Age less than 12 weeks with fever.
- You think your child needs to be seen and the problem is urgent
- Pus in the eye, but none of the above symptoms
- Using antibiotic eye drops for over 3 days and there is still pus
- You should contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience severe or persistent eye discharge, such as a discharge that makes it difficult for you to open your eyes.
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Book an AppointmentPrevention
Ways to reduce the risk of elbow pain include:
- Good eye hygiene, including removing makeup at night and wiping eyes with a clean, warm cloth, helps reduce it.
- For individuals with dry eyes, using eye drops can provide relief. It's advisable to consult a doctor before purchasing.
- Contact lens wearers should remove their lenses at night and follow their eye doctor's instructions for replacement and cleaning solutions.
- Applying a warm compress over the eyes for 3 to 5 minutes can help loosen mucus, particularly for those experiencing increased discharge after sleeping.
- If it may cause the eyelids to stick together in the morning, consulting an eye doctor is recommended to rule out infection.
