![]() In some cases, eyelid crusting can be so severe that it temporarily seals your eye shut. 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. Thick, yellow eye discharge can be caused by an eye infection. ![]() 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.Ĭommon eye conditions associated with abnormal eye discharge include: ConjunctivitisĮye 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. 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. and help you get rid of it.Įye discharge (rheum) is a function of your tear film and a necessary component of good eye health. ![]() An eye doctor can help you discern what's causing that gunk. But it could also be conjunctivitis (pink eye) or some other type of infection. It could merely be allergies or dry eyes. But if it's sudden or excessive and you're concerned, book an appointment with an eye doctor today. 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.Įye discharge is most likely nothing to worry about. 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. 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. Products and potentially harmful debris from the tear film and the front surface of your eyes. Sometimes called "rheum," eye discharge has a protective function, removing waste Other slang terms used to describe eye discharge include eye mattering, eye boogers, eye gunk, eye pus and goopy eyes. It can be wet and sticky or dry and crusty, depending on how much of the liquid in the discharge has evaporated. If necessary, he or she may refer you to an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).Schedule an exam Find Eye Doctor What is eye discharge?Įye 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. If watery eyes persist, make an appointment with your doctor. If the problem results from dry eyes or eye irritation, you may find it helpful to use artificial tears or place warm compresses over your eyes for several minutes. Seek immediate medical attention if you have watery eyes with: Sometimes, excess tear production may cause watery eyes as well.Īllergies or viral infections (conjunctivitis), as well as any kind of inflammation, may cause watery eyes for a few days or so. In older adults, persistent watery eyes may occur as the aging skin of the eyelids sags away from the eyeball, allowing tears to accumulate and flow out. In babies, the tear duct may not be fully open and functioning for the first several months of life. Tears normally drain into your nose through tiny openings (puncta) in the inner part of the lids near the nose. The tear ducts don't produce tears, but rather carry away tears, similar to how a storm drain carries away rainwater. In infants, persistent watery eyes, often with some matter, are commonly the result of blocked tear ducts. Watery eyes can be due to many factors and conditions. Self-care measures at home can help treat watery eyes, particularly if the cause is inflammation or dry eyes. Watery eyes (epiphora) tear persistently or excessively.ĭepending on the cause, watery eyes may clear up on their own.
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