“Sticky eyes” describes the accumulation of discharge in the eyes, often causing the eyelashes to stick together, particularly after sleep. The discharge is a mixture of mucus, oil, skin cells, and other debris that the eye naturally clears away. While this phenomenon is highly common, especially among infants, and is usually a temporary and benign condition, it is a frequent concern for caregivers. The discharge indicates that the eye’s natural drainage or defense mechanisms are working overtime or are partially blocked. Understanding the underlying cause of the stickiness is the first step in determining whether simple home care is appropriate or if medical attention is needed.
Identifying the Common Sources of Stickiness
The primary causes of sticky eyes can be separated into non-infectious drainage issues and infectious conditions. The most frequent non-infectious cause in infants is dacryostenosis, or a blocked nasolacrimal duct. This condition occurs in about 6% of newborns because the tear duct, which drains tears from the eye into the nose, has not fully opened at birth.
When the tear duct is blocked, tears and mucus cannot drain normally, causing them to back up and pool on the eye’s surface, leading to a sticky discharge. The discharge from a blocked duct is typically clear, mucoid, or a thin yellowish-white. The white part of the eye, or sclera, usually remains white and free of significant redness. The stickiness may become more noticeable when the child is exposed to cold or wind, which stimulates tear production.
Infectious causes of eye stickiness often fall under the umbrella of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, which is an inflammation of the thin membrane covering the eye and inner eyelid. Differentiating between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis is important, as they present with distinct types of discharge. Viral conjunctivitis, often associated with a cold or respiratory infection, typically produces a thin, watery, or clear discharge.
Bacterial conjunctivitis, by contrast, is characterized by a thick, pus-like discharge that is yellow or greenish in color, which can cause the eyelids to crust and stick together aggressively. Other minor causes of temporary stickiness include environmental irritants like dust, smoke, or soap, or improper contact lens hygiene in adults. The nature and color of the discharge are important indicators of the underlying issue.
Safe and Effective Home Management Techniques
For sticky eyes without severe red flags, home care focusing on hygiene and drainage can often resolve the issue. The first step involves careful and frequent cleaning to remove the accumulated discharge and prevent secondary skin irritation. Before touching the eye area, caregivers should thoroughly wash their hands to avoid introducing new bacteria or transferring an existing infection.
To clean the eye, use a sterile cotton ball or a clean, soft cloth dampened with cooled, boiled water or sterile saline solution. Wipe the eye gently only once, moving from the inner corner (near the nose) toward the outer corner of the eye. This directional wiping helps to clear debris away from the tear duct opening.
It is important to use a fresh cotton ball or a different section of the cloth for every swipe and for each eye to prevent cross-contamination. Cleaning should be performed several times throughout the day, particularly after the child wakes up, when the discharge tends to be most severe. If the skin around the eye becomes red or irritated from the constant moisture, a small amount of petroleum jelly can be applied to the dry skin to create a protective barrier.
For cases specifically caused by a blocked tear duct, a technique called lacrimal sac massage can be beneficial. This involves placing a clean finger on the outside of the nose, directly next to the inner corner of the eye, and applying gentle pressure. The finger should then be rolled downward toward the cheek to milk the tear sac and help dislodge the blockage at the duct’s opening. This massage can be performed a few times a day to encourage the duct to open and allow normal drainage.
When Professional Medical Attention is Necessary
While most cases of sticky eyes are self-limiting and respond well to home care, certain symptoms indicate that immediate professional medical attention is required. Any infant under 30 days old with a red or sticky eye requires an urgent medical evaluation to rule out more serious infections. The presence of specific “red flags” suggests the condition is more than a simple blocked duct or mild irritation.
These severe symptoms include:
- Significant swelling of the eyelid or surrounding facial tissue.
- Intense redness of the white part of the eye.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Inability to open the eye due to pain or swelling.
- Eye discharge accompanied by a fever or general signs of illness.
These symptoms may point to a more invasive infection like preseptal cellulitis or a severe bacterial conjunctivitis requiring prescription treatment.
If the stickiness and discharge persist or worsen despite consistent home cleaning and massage techniques for 24 to 48 hours, a medical consultation is necessary. Likewise, if an older child’s symptoms have not cleared up within seven days, a doctor should be seen. The healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the cause and may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment if a bacterial infection is confirmed. If a blocked tear duct persists past the age of 12 months, a specialist referral may be necessary for a minor surgical procedure called probing to open the duct.