The material commonly known as “eye boogers” or “sleep” is clinically termed rheum. This discharge is a natural byproduct of the eye’s self-cleaning process, composed of mucus (mucin), oils (meibum), dead skin cells, and environmental debris. Since the eye must constantly cleanse its surface, the discharge cannot be permanently eliminated. However, excessive, frequent, or discolored discharge signals an underlying condition that can be managed for long-term reduction.
Understanding Normal Eye Discharge
The eye produces a continuous film of tears throughout the day that washes away rheum before it accumulates. Tears drain through small ducts in the inner corner of the eye, carrying the debris with them. When a person is asleep, blinking ceases, stopping this flushing action and allowing mucus, oil, and debris to collect and dry along the lash line.
The resulting small, crusty, or sticky material visible upon waking is a healthy and unavoidable part of ocular function. This normal discharge is typically clear, white, or light gray and is easily removed. The safest way to clear normal discharge is to apply a warm, moist washcloth to the closed eyelid for a few minutes. This softens the material, preventing irritation or damage to the delicate eyelid skin and lashes during removal.
Underlying Causes of Excessive Discharge
When discharge becomes excessive, thick, stringy, or changes color, it is usually a symptom of an underlying medical condition or environmental irritation. Understanding the specific cause is the first step toward long-term management. One common cause is conjunctivitis, frequently called pink eye, which can be viral, bacterial, or allergic.
Bacterial conjunctivitis typically produces a thick, purulent discharge that is yellow, green, or gray, often causing the eyelids to be completely sealed shut upon waking. Viral conjunctivitis, the most common type, usually results in a thin, clear, and watery discharge, often starting in one eye and spreading to the other. Allergic conjunctivitis, triggered by allergens like pollen or dander, tends to cause intense itching and a clear, watery, or stringy white mucous discharge in both eyes.
Blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eyelid margins, also drives excessive discharge. This condition is characterized by a dysfunction of the oil-producing meibomian glands or an overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelids. Blepharitis often leads to a foamy, white, or creamy discharge, along with flaking and crusting at the base of the eyelashes.
Dry eye syndrome can also cause excessive discharge as the eye attempts to compensate for a lack of quality tears. This often results in thick, stringy, or mucus-like discharge because the tear film lacks the proper balance of water, leading to a compensatory increase in the mucus component. Blocked tear ducts, especially in adults, can also trap bacteria and debris, leading to a persistent sticky discharge and swelling.
Managing Causes for Long-Term Reduction
Achieving a lasting reduction in eye discharge requires consistently treating the underlying problem. For chronic conditions like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, a disciplined hygiene routine is the foundation of management. This involves applying a warm, moist compress to the closed eyelids for five to ten minutes to soften crusts and liquefy thickened oils.
Following the compress, the eyelid margins should be gently scrubbed using a cotton applicator or wipe moistened with a commercial eyelid cleanser or diluted baby shampoo. This step removes the scales, crusts, and bacterial biofilm that contribute to the chronic inflammation and subsequent discharge. Regular lid hygiene helps stabilize the tear film and reduces the inflammatory response that causes the excessive rheum.
If the cause is allergic conjunctivitis, effective management involves identifying and avoiding the specific environmental triggers, such as dust or pet dander. Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamine eye drops are used to control the immune response that generates the watery discharge and itching. Oral antihistamines can also be beneficial in reducing the systemic allergic reaction.
Dry eye syndrome is managed with preservative-free artificial tears to supplement the natural tear film and provide lubrication. Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops, such as cyclosporine, may be used in persistent cases to address the underlying inflammation contributing to poor tear quality and mucous discharge. For severe bacterial infections, a medical professional must prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to eliminate the causative bacteria and resolve the purulent discharge.
When to Seek Professional Care
While most cases of mild discharge are manageable at home, certain symptoms require immediate professional evaluation to prevent serious complications. Any sudden change in vision, including blurriness or a complete loss of sight, should be treated as an urgent matter. Severe pain in the eye, rather than just irritation or discomfort, is a significant red flag that warrants prompt attention.
Sensitivity to light (photophobia), especially when it occurs alongside redness and discharge, can indicate a more serious internal eye inflammation. If the discharge is thick, yellow, or green and persists for more than 48 hours, or if the eyelids are completely stuck together, a bacterial infection requiring prescription treatment is likely. Any discharge accompanied by severe swelling, fever, or symptoms of a systemic illness should prompt a consultation with an eye care professional.