The “gunk” found in the corner of your eyes upon waking, often called “sleep” or “eye boogers,” is medically known as rheum or discharge. This material is a natural combination of mucus, oils, dust, and dead skin cells that your eyes produce continuously. A small amount of rheum is completely normal and indicates a healthy functioning eye. This discharge shows your eyes are performing their protective function by trapping and removing waste products from the tear film.
The Formation of Normal Morning Eye Discharge
Rheum accumulates specifically during sleep because the eyes stop blinking. While awake, blinking washes away the tear film, which contains mucus and oil from the meibomian glands. This constant washing action drains the debris through the nasolacrimal duct, preventing it from gathering.
When the eyelids are closed for several hours, the debris-laden tear film is no longer flushed away. The liquid component of the discharge evaporates, leaving behind a sticky or crusty residue that collects in the inner corners of the eyes or along the lash line. The resulting “sleep crust” is typically white or light cream colored, ranging in texture from wet and sticky to dry and hard.
Identifying Abnormal Discharge and Common Causes
While a small, white or light-colored crust is normal, a change in the quantity, color, or consistency of the discharge can signal an underlying problem. Abnormal discharge is typically excessive, sometimes gluing the eyelids shut upon waking, and may be accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms. The color of the discharge often provides clues about the cause of the irritation or infection.
A thick, yellowish, greenish, or gray discharge is often indicative of a bacterial infection, such as bacterial conjunctivitis. This type of discharge is frequently pus-like (purulent) and is characterized by its sticky consistency, which can cause severe crusting along the lashes. Conditions like blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid margins, or a stye, an infected oil gland, can also produce thick, often yellow, discharge.
In contrast, viral infections, like viral conjunctivitis, typically present with a clear or thin, watery discharge. Allergic reactions to irritants like pollen or dander produce excessive tearing and discharge that is usually clear and watery, often accompanied by intense itching in both eyes. Dry eye syndrome can also cause discharge, which is often described as stringy or rope-like mucus strands because of the imbalance in the tear film components.
Critical Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
While many causes of abnormal eye discharge are minor, certain accompanying symptoms require prompt medical evaluation. Any sudden change in vision, such as blurriness or distortion, should be addressed immediately, as it may indicate a serious infection affecting the cornea. Severe, persistent pain within the eye or extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia) suggests deeper inflammation or infection, such as keratitis.
Discharge that is so profuse it consistently seals the eyes shut, or any discharge accompanied by systemic symptoms like a fever, also warrants an urgent consultation. If the discharge is bloody, this may signal an eye injury. Furthermore, if symptoms persist or worsen after a couple of days of gentle home care, professional assessment is necessary to prevent complications.
Safe Eye Cleaning and Hygiene Practices
For safely removing morning rheum or managing mild discharge, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce germs and cause irritation. Instead, use a clean washcloth or gauze soaked in warm water to create a compress.
Apply the warm compress to your closed eyes for a few minutes to soften any dried or sticky crusting. The warmth helps to loosen the discharge, particularly if your eyelids are stuck together. Gently wipe the discharge away using a clean section of the cloth, moving from the inner corner of the eye outward. To reduce the risk of future irritation, clean makeup brushes regularly and replace old eye makeup products.