Sticky eyes occur when excessive ocular discharge, known as rheum, accumulates and dries, causing the eyelids to stick together or crust over. This discharge is a natural mixture of mucus, oil, skin cells, and debris produced by the eye for protection. An increase in the volume or a change in the consistency of this discharge often signals a minor irritation or an underlying issue requiring gentle care.
Identifying the Underlying Causes
The appearance and nature of the discharge can offer clues about the cause of the stickiness. A highly common cause, particularly in infants, is a blocked tear duct. This occurs when the nasolacrimal duct, which drains tears from the eye into the nose, is partially or completely obstructed, causing tears and mucus to back up onto the eye surface. The resulting discharge is typically clear or slightly yellow and is often present in only one eye, usually without significant redness in the white part of the eye.
Infectious causes, generally known as conjunctivitis, produce discharge that is often thicker and more colored. Bacterial conjunctivitis typically generates a thick, pus-like discharge that is yellow, green, or gray, which is the type most likely to glue the eyelids shut overnight. This infection is highly contagious and may affect one or both eyes, often requiring antibiotic treatment to resolve fully. Viral conjunctivitis, the most frequent form, often produces a watery, sometimes stringy, discharge accompanied by eye redness and irritation, and is frequently associated with a common cold or upper respiratory infection.
A third common source of stickiness is allergic conjunctivitis, which is not contagious but is triggered by environmental factors like pollen or pet dander. The discharge from allergies tends to be clear and thin, or sometimes stringy, and is almost always accompanied by intense itching and watery eyes. Unlike infectious causes, allergic reactions usually affect both eyes simultaneously and may include other systemic symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose.
Immediate Home Care and Cleaning Techniques
The safest and most effective method for cleaning involves using a clean, warm compress to soften the crusting. Prepare the compress by soaking a clean washcloth or cotton pad in water that has been boiled and cooled to a comfortably warm temperature. Apply the compress to the closed eyelid for a few minutes; the heat loosens the dried mucus and oil, allowing removal without tugging.
After softening, gently wipe the eyelid using a single, smooth stroke, moving from the inner corner of the eye toward the outer edge. A new, clean portion of the cloth or a fresh cotton pad must be used for every wipe to prevent transferring infectious material back into the eye or to the other eye.
For infants with suspected blocked tear ducts, a gentle massage can encourage drainage after cleaning. Place a clean finger at the inner corner of the eye, next to the nose, and gently roll or stroke downward along the side of the nose. This light pressure may help open the nasolacrimal duct.
Thorough hand washing with soap and water is required both before and after touching the eyes. Avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, or washcloths to limit the spread of contagion.
Recognizing Signs That Require Medical Attention
Certain symptoms indicate that sticky eyes require prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider. Immediate medical attention is necessary for any sudden change in vision, such as blurriness or the perception of flashing lights. Intense eye pain or extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia) also suggests a serious underlying issue.
Other concerning signs include pronounced eyelid swelling, rapidly worsening redness, or the presence of a fever alongside eye symptoms. If thick, colored discharge persists despite 48 hours of consistent home cleaning, a medical consultation is warranted to check for a bacterial infection requiring prescription treatment. Newborns (under 30 days old) with sticky eyes require immediate medical attention. Persistent symptoms that do not improve within a few days of home treatment should lead to an appointment with an eye doctor or pediatrician.