Crusty Mucusīlepharitis causes thick crusty eye discharge with thickened lids and dandruff-like scales on the lashes. The yellow discharge occurs when glands in the eyelid get clogged and infected with bacteria. Yellow eye mucus is usually associated with small bumps on the eyelid called styes. Individuals with this thick mucus often wake up with the lashes and lid stuck shut by the discharge. Gray or Green MucusĪ thick eye discharge, gray or green, indicates a potentially serious infection caused by pus-forming bacteria. Facial pain, swelling between the eyelid and nose and redness are usually associated with this kind of discharge. White or yellow mucus balls form around the puncta when the nasolacrimal sac responsible for draining tears gets infected. Watery Discharges with Yellow or White Balls Exposure to irritants also stimulates the secretion of the watery discharge as a protective mechanism. It is mainly associated with pink eye, a condition caused by viruses. This discharge consists of small amounts of mucus mixed with watery tears. Others are innocuous and require no medical attention. Some indicate a more serious problem that requires immediate attention and possible treatment. The eye requires rheum to remain healthy: it is a normal body secretion.īut in excess and over a long period, eye discharge indicates a potential infection that requires immediate medical attention.ĭifferent conditions are associated with different types of eye mucus. Meibum, which is responsible for lubricating the eye, originates from the Meibomian glands. It consists of mucin, thin watery mucus secreted by the conjunctiva and meibum. Rheum is the proper name of the discharge that collects in your eyes when you sleep. In contrast, many other causes only produce a slight discharge or overly watery reactions that you can wipe away.Įven though some types of eye discharge are mild and pose a minimal threat to vision, seeing a doctor is essential in preventing potential complications. A bacterial infection produces a lot of thick discharge that can glue the eyelashes temporarily, making eye opening difficult first thing in the morning. The eye discharge can be a lot or a little, depending on the cause. Most people with conjunctivitis or other irritating eye conditions will wake up with increased gunk at the corner of their eyes. In case of infection, it usually accumulates when someone is resting or sleeping, especially during long hours at night. The discharge can be either purulent, watery or crusty. What Is Eye Discharge?Įye discharge, commonly referred to as gunk or eye boogers, is a mixture of mucus, exfoliated cells, oil, water and other debris that forms on the sides of the eye and worsens if there is an infection or irritation. Thicker and more colorful discharges may require medical attention because they can be a sign of a more serious eye issue. Most eye discharge is harmless and does not need to be treated. Eye discharge is excess fluid that builds up in the eyes and comes out as watery or viscus fluid or as a crusty buildup.Ĭauses of discharge can range from an allergic reaction to an infection to a foreign body that has gotten under the eyelid.

One eye crusted shut morning