What the Stringy Stuff Is
Eye discharge, often appearing stringy or gooey, is a common occurrence composed of mucus, oils, dead skin cells, and other microscopic debris. This material, often called “sleep” or “rheum,” is a natural byproduct of the eye’s self-cleaning mechanism. Its consistency can range from thin to thick, varying based on its composition and the eye’s hydration. The conjunctiva, a transparent membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye, produces much of this mucus. Tears, constantly produced, lubricate the eye and flush away foreign particles and debris. As tear film evaporates or drains, the remaining mucus, oils, and cellular waste become more concentrated, forming the characteristic stringy or crusty material, especially after extended periods of eye closure.
Common Reasons for Stringy Eye Discharge
Stringy eye discharge can arise from various common conditions, each affecting the eye’s balance of tear production and debris removal.
Dry eye syndrome: An inadequate or poor-quality tear film cannot effectively wash away debris. When tears evaporate too quickly or are not produced sufficiently, the remaining mucus and oils on the eye’s surface become concentrated and thick, leading to noticeable stringy strands.
Allergies: Often trigger an immune response, leading to increased mucus production to flush out allergens. This excess mucus, combined with inflammatory mediators, can become stringy and sticky, frequently accompanied by intense itching and redness.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Involves inflammation of the conjunctiva. In bacterial conjunctivitis, discharge is often thick, sticky, and purulent, appearing yellowish or greenish. Viral conjunctivitis typically yields a more watery but occasionally stringy discharge. Allergic conjunctivitis leads to stringy, clear-to-whitish mucus.
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, particularly affecting the lash line. This can lead to frothy or stringy discharge accumulating along the eyelid margins and lashes, often causing crusting upon waking. Dysfunction of oil glands alters the tear film, leading to mucus concentration.
Foreign body irritation: A speck of dust, an eyelash, or a loose contact lens can stimulate the eye to produce excess tears and mucus to expel the irritant. This increased production results in stringy discharge.
Improper contact lens use: Wearing lenses for too long or not cleaning them adequately can cause chronic irritation, leading to increased mucus production and stringy discharge.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While occasional stringy eye discharge is often benign, certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation by an eye care professional. Recognizing these indicators can help prevent more serious complications.
A sudden onset or a significant increase in the volume or frequency of stringy discharge.
Changes in the discharge’s color, such as turning green, yellow, or grey, or its consistency becoming very thick and pus-like, suggesting a potential infection. These color changes often indicate the presence of white blood cells and bacteria.
Accompanying symptoms like severe eye pain, persistent blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or swelling around the eye or eyelids.
Discharge developing after an eye injury, chemical exposure, or a foreign object entering the eye necessitates immediate medical attention.
If the discharge does not improve with simple home care measures within a day or two, or if it recurs frequently, a professional diagnosis is advisable.
Managing Stringy Eye Discharge
For non-serious instances of stringy eye discharge, several practical measures can help manage symptoms and promote eye comfort. These approaches focus on hygiene and supporting the eye’s natural functions.
Gently clean eyelids and lashes with a warm, damp, clean cloth to remove accumulated discharge and crusts. Applying a warm compress to the closed eyelids can also loosen dried discharge and soothe irritation.
Avoid rubbing eyes, especially with unwashed hands, to prevent further irritation or introduction of bacteria. Practice good hand hygiene.
Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water to support tear production.
Use over-the-counter artificial tears for lubrication and to flush out irritants, particularly if dry eyes contribute to the discharge.
Adhere strictly to proper contact lens care guidelines, including regular cleaning and replacement schedules, to minimize irritation and associated discharge.
These self-care steps can offer relief, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
What the Stringy Stuff Is
The “stringy stuff” in the eye is primarily composed of mucus, oils, dead skin cells, and other microscopic debris. It serves a protective function, helping to remove waste products and harmful debris from the tear film. When blinking, this material is typically cleared, but during sleep, it collects and becomes more concentrated.
Common Reasons for Stringy Eye Discharge
Stringy eye discharge can stem from various common conditions, affecting the eye’s delicate balance of tear production and debris removal. The specific mechanism relates to changes in tear film composition or increased mucus production.
Dry eye disease: Insufficient or poor-quality tears cannot effectively wash away debris. When the watery component of tears is lacking or evaporates too quickly, the remaining mucus and oil components become more concentrated and noticeable, often appearing as stringy or crusty discharge.
Allergies: Trigger a bodily response that increases mucus production to flush out irritants. This excess mucus, combined with the inflammatory response, can become sticky and stringy, often accompanied by itching, redness, and watery eyes. The histamine released during an allergic reaction can cause these secretions to stick together.
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva. In bacterial conjunctivitis, the discharge is typically thick, sticky, and may be yellow, green, or gray, often causing eyelids to stick together. Viral conjunctivitis usually results in a more watery discharge, though it can still have a white or light yellow mucus component. Allergic conjunctivitis produces stringy, clear to whitish mucus.
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, particularly along the lash line, can cause frothy or stringy discharge and crusting on the lashes. Dysfunction of the oil glands in the eyelids can alter the tear film, leading to increased evaporation and a buildup of mucus.
Foreign body irritation: Stimulates the eye to produce more tears and mucus to try and flush out the irritant, which can manifest as stringy discharge.
Contact lens use: Improper care or extended wear can lead to irritation and increased mucus production as a defense mechanism.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many causes of stringy eye discharge are not serious, certain signs and symptoms indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Seeking timely professional advice can prevent potential complications.
A sudden increase in the amount of discharge or a significant change in its appearance warrants attention.
If the discharge becomes dark yellow, green, or gray, or if its consistency changes to very thick or pus-like, it could signal an infection. These color changes often indicate the presence of inflammatory cells or bacteria.
Accompanying symptoms that should prompt a visit to an eye doctor include severe eye pain, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or swelling around the eye.
Discharge that occurs after an eye injury or chemical exposure also requires immediate medical assessment.
If the stringy discharge does not improve with general home care measures within a few days, or if it is recurrent, a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Managing Stringy Eye Discharge
For instances of stringy eye discharge not accompanied by severe symptoms, several self-care practices can help manage discomfort and maintain eye hygiene. These measures focus on gentle cleaning and supportive care.
Applying a warm compress to the closed eyelids can help soften and loosen dried or crusted discharge, making it easier to remove. Gently wiping the eyelids and lashes with a clean, damp cloth can also clear away discharge.
Avoiding rubbing the eyes is crucial, as this can worsen irritation and potentially introduce bacteria. Practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently can prevent germ transfer.
Staying adequately hydrated by drinking enough water can support overall bodily functions, including healthy tear production.
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide lubrication and help flush out irritants, especially if dry eyes are contributing to the stringy discharge.
For contact lens wearers, adhering to proper lens care, including regular cleaning and replacement schedules, is important to minimize irritation and discharge.
These general tips are intended for managing mild symptoms and should not replace professional medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.