Eye mucus, commonly known as “sleep” or “rheum,” is a natural component of ocular health. It consists of substances that lubricate and protect the eye’s surface. While a small amount of discharge is normal, particularly upon waking, changes in its quantity, consistency, or color can signal an underlying issue.
The Purpose of Normal Eye Discharge
During waking hours, the eyes continuously produce a clear, mucus-like substance made of water, oils, dead skin cells, and antibodies. This tear film protects the eye, ensuring smooth blinking and preventing dehydration. Blinking washes away accumulated debris and mucus, maintaining clarity and comfort.
When a person sleeps, blinking ceases, allowing this natural discharge to accumulate in the corners of the eyes and along the lash line. This dried residue, often clear, whitish, or slightly yellowish, is a normal byproduct of the eye’s self-cleaning process and is easily removed.
Common Reasons for Increased Eye Mucus
An increase in eye mucus or changes in its appearance often indicates the eye is responding to irritation or infection. The characteristics of the discharge can offer clues about the specific cause.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Bacterial conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye, typically presents with a thick, sticky, yellow or green discharge that can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially in the morning. Associated symptoms include redness, swelling of the eyelids, and sometimes a gritty sensation or mild pain in the eye. This form of conjunctivitis is highly contagious.
Viral Conjunctivitis
Viral conjunctivitis usually produces a clear, watery, or sometimes stringy discharge. It is often accompanied by symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a sore throat or runny nose. This type of infection can affect one eye initially before potentially spreading to the other and is also highly contagious.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Allergic conjunctivitis results from the eye’s reaction to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. The discharge is typically stringy, white, or watery, and may appear yellow-white. Intense itching, redness, and swollen eyelids are common, often affecting both eyes simultaneously.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can also lead to increased eye mucus, which may appear stringy, white, or foamy. When the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears are of poor quality, the eye may produce more mucus in an attempt to compensate for the lack of lubrication. This can result in a gritty sensation, burning, and persistent redness.
Foreign Body or Eye Injury
The presence of a foreign body or an eye injury can prompt the eye to produce excess mucus as a protective mechanism to flush out the irritant. This discharge may be watery or sticky, accompanied by pain and irritation.
Blocked Tear Duct
A blocked tear duct prevents tears and mucus from draining properly, leading to watery eyes and sticky discharge. This condition is more common in infants and older adults, often presenting as small lumps of white or yellowish mucus, along with irritation, redness, and swelling around the affected eye.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, causes crusty debris to form at the lash line, often making eyelids stick together in the morning. Other symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and swollen eyelids, sometimes with foamy tears. This condition can result from an overgrowth of bacteria or issues with oil glands in the eyelids.
Improper Contact Lens Use
Improper contact lens use, poor hygiene, or overwear can also lead to increased eye mucus. Mucus can become trapped between the lens and the eye, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort. This environment can also promote bacterial growth, increasing the risk of eye infections.
When to Consult a Doctor
While some eye mucus is normal, certain signs indicate medical attention is appropriate. Consult a healthcare professional if eye discharge is persistent, worsens, or is unusually thick, yellow, or green. Other symptoms warranting evaluation include eye pain, extreme redness, swelling around the eye, sensitivity to light (photophobia), or any vision changes like blurriness. Medical advice is also recommended if discharge accompanies a fever, other systemic symptoms, or occurs after an eye injury. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses immediately and consult their eye doctor for concerning discharge or discomfort.
Tips for Eye Care and Prevention
Maintaining good eye hygiene can help manage and prevent excessive eye mucus.
- Gently clean eyelids with a warm, damp cloth to remove accumulated discharge and provide relief.
- Avoid rubbing eyes, as this can worsen irritation and introduce germs.
- For dry eyes, over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) can help maintain moisture and reduce mucus buildup; consult a doctor before regular use.
- Manage known allergies by avoiding triggers to reduce associated eye mucus and irritation.
- Contact lens wearers should adhere to proper care routines, including regular cleaning, timely replacement, and avoiding sleeping in lenses.
- Minimize exposure to environmental irritants like smoke and dust to support overall eye well-being.