Eye drainage, often called “sleep” in the eyes, is the common accumulation of mucus, oil, skin cells, and other debris in the corner of the eye. While a small amount of discharge, especially upon waking, is considered normal, excessive or unusual eye drainage can indicate an underlying issue. Understanding the characteristics of the discharge and any accompanying symptoms can provide valuable clues about its cause.
Different Types of Eye Drainage
Eye drainage can appear in various forms. Watery discharge, often clear, is linked to allergies, exposure to irritants, or viral infections. This type of discharge results from the eye producing an excess of tears in response to irritation or inflammation.
Mucus or stringy discharge can suggest conditions such as dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis. Dry eye can lead to reflexive tearing and stringy mucus due to insufficient tear quality. Allergies may also cause a whitish, stringy discharge.
Thick, pus-like drainage, which may appear yellow or green, indicates a bacterial infection. This discharge often makes eyelids stick together, especially after sleep. Green discharge signals a more severe bacterial infection.
Crusty discharge, often noticed upon waking, is a dried form of other discharge types. It is common with conjunctivitis or blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids. This crusting can sometimes be significant enough to temporarily seal the eyes shut.
Common Reasons for Eye Drainage
Eye drainage can stem from several common conditions. Allergies trigger eye drainage when eyes encounter allergens like pollen or dust mites. This leads to histamine release, causing eyes to become watery and itchy.
Infections, such as conjunctivitis or “pink eye,” commonly cause eye drainage. Viral conjunctivitis produces clear and watery discharge, often clearing within a few days to two weeks. Bacterial conjunctivitis, however, results in thicker, pus-like discharge that can be yellow or green, indicating bacterial presence and often requiring antibiotic treatment.
Dry eye syndrome, where eyes do not produce enough or quality tears, can lead to watery or mucus discharge. When tears evaporate too quickly or are insufficient, the eye reflexively produces more tears, which may not drain properly, resulting in sticky, stringy mucus.
A blocked tear duct can also cause eye drainage. Tears cannot drain normally through the blocked duct, leading to overflow and watery, irritated eyes. This condition can affect newborns, where a thin membrane might block the duct, or adults due to injury, infection, or age-related changes.
Irritants like smoke, dust, or chemicals can provoke excessive tears or inflammation, leading to drainage. The eye naturally flushes out these foreign substances. Localized inflammations on the eyelid, such as styes or chalazions, can also result in localized drainage.
When Professional Help is Needed
Certain signs indicate that eye drainage requires professional medical evaluation. If the drainage is persistent or worsens, and home care efforts do not lead to improvement within a few days, seek medical advice. Continued or escalating symptoms can signal a more serious underlying issue.
Changes in vision, such as blurry vision or increased light sensitivity, with eye drainage are concerning. These visual disturbances may suggest the condition affects deeper eye structures. Similarly, experiencing eye pain or severe discomfort, or a sensation of something lodged in the eye, warrants prompt attention.
Redness of the eye or eyelid swelling, especially if it spreads, are red flags. These symptoms can point to an infection or inflammation requiring specific treatment. Fever or other systemic symptoms alongside eye drainage may indicate a more widespread infection.
Individuals who wear contact lenses should be vigilant. Contact lens wearers face a higher risk of serious eye infections, and any unusual irritation, redness, or discharge should prompt immediate lens removal and an eye doctor visit. If drainage follows an eye injury or if a foreign object is suspected, medical consultation is needed.
Managing and Preventing Eye Drainage
Maintaining good eye hygiene is an important step in managing and preventing eye drainage. Avoid touching or rubbing eyes, as this can introduce bacteria or worsen irritation. Frequent hand washing, especially before and after any contact with the eyes, helps prevent potential infection spread.
Applying warm compresses can help alleviate symptoms, especially for crusting or blocked glands. A clean, warm, damp cloth placed over the closed eyes for several minutes can help loosen dried discharge and soothe irritation. This also aids in clearing blockages in tear ducts or eyelid glands.
Identifying and avoiding irritants is a proactive measure to prevent drainage. This includes minimizing exposure to known allergens, smoke, or harsh chemicals that can trigger eye inflammation. Using a humidifier can help maintain adequate air moisture, which may reduce dry eye symptoms.
Over-the-counter eye drops can provide relief for certain types of drainage. Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can help with dry eye symptoms by providing moisture to the eye surface. Antihistamine eye drops can be effective for drainage caused by allergies, reducing itching and watering.
For contact lens wearers, proper care is important. Strict adherence to cleaning and replacement schedules, and using appropriate solutions, significantly reduces infection risk that causes drainage. Allowing adequate rest also contributes to overall eye health and supports the eyes’ natural cleaning processes.