What Causes Eye Discharge?

Questions such as why our eyes produce discharge and how it forms are widely asked. Discharge forms as oil and mucus gather around the eye and also holds dead skin cells. It can form at the inner corners of the eye and at the base of the lashes as dry, wet or hardened matter. A small amount of discharge forming during sleep is normal. Discharge forming while awake is not something met often. Because we open and close our eyes constantly, the likelihood of it forming is lower. Where the area around the eye is very oily, however, and where eye make-up is worn, discharge can be observed. Discharge formed from situations such as watering during sleep can harden, so it is necessary to clear the skin that has perspired, become oily and produced discharge overnight as soon as you wake. If eye discharge is noticed on waking in the morning and is not excessive, this is entirely normal. There are situations that are not regarded as normal, however. If discharge occurs outside waking from sleep, or in abnormal quantities, it may be the sign of certain conditions. It can serve as a warning for situations such as dry eye, infection and allergy. The situations that cause abnormal discharge in the eye are:

• Eye infections or skin problems
• Substances released by the tear glands
• Oiliness of the skin
• Allergies linked to wearing contact lenses
• Eye make-up or eye drops, whether artificial tears or antibiotic drops
• Reduced resistance to bacteria because of dry eye
• Flaking
• Mites at the base of the lashes
• Meibomian glands not working properly

Causes of Eye Discharge

Eye discharge can form for entirely normal reasons and also for abnormal ones. Because of certain conditions, discharge increases or can be seen heavily while awake. The conditions that cause discharge to form in the eye are:

• Stye: a stye can cause painful swelling around the lashes. Because of the complication forming in this area, discharge can increase.
• Eyelid conditions: discharge increases steadily, and where it is not treated promptly, loss of lashes can follow.
• Chalazion: small painless swellings forming on the eyelid. Discharge can increase because of them.
• Tear glands: discharge increases where the tear glands are working abnormally.

Eye Discharge in Children

Eye discharge in children is an extremely common situation. It occurs in babies and in children alike. Green or yellow discharge around the eye is not normal, however: it can be a sign of infection, and the child should be seen by a doctor. As children grow, the discharge returns to normal. If abnormal discharge is observed, however, it is worth seeing a doctor promptly. The cause of eye discharge in babies can be narrowing of the tear ducts, or inflammation of the eye and the lashes. The causes of abnormal discharge in babies are:

• Pink eye
• Inflammation at the base of the lashes
• Blocked or narrow tear ducts
• Infection
• Allergic reactions

As in babies, normal discharge occurs in children too. Discharge can also occur in children because of certain inflammations or conditions. The causes are:

• Foreign bodies entering the eye
• A blow or damage to the eye
• Bacteria
• Infection
• Allergy

Symptoms of Eye Discharge

The symptoms of eye discharge show themselves in many ways. Although discharge is normal, it is necessary to be aware of the signs of excessive discharge. Sticky or dried matter gathering around the eye is regarded as discharge. Although the sight we generally meet on waking in the morning is normal, a doctor should always be seen where there is excessive discharge. Heavy discharge can also gather in the eye where someone sleeps in contact lenses. To avoid situations of this kind, contact lenses and make-up should be removed before sleeping.

• Yellow or green discharge in the eye
• Various forms of sensitivity appearing in the eye
• Redness and itching around the eye
• Discharge building up enough to cause blurred vision

Treatment of Eye Discharge

Treatment of eye discharge differs from person to person. The problem can appear because of dry eye, inflammation and similar conditions. What the problem is has first to be identified, and one of the following treatments can then be applied:

• Antibiotics: where there is bacterial infection, eye discharge can be treated with antibiotic medication and drops.
• Intervention for the tear ducts: where the tear ducts are narrower than normal or blocked, they can be opened with a small surgical procedure.
• Eye drops: eye drop treatment is applied for dry eye or other conditions. Where there is infection, drops containing antibiotics are used.

How Does Eye Discharge Clear at Home?

The question of how eye discharge clears at home is one asked by people who would rather not see a doctor, or who want to solve the problem naturally. Where eye discharge does not arise from a serious health problem, it can be treated at home. Certain precautions are needed for this. Taking eye cleanliness and hygiene seriously matters. Washing the face and the area around the eyes with plenty of water is important, and make-up should always be removed before going to bed. Contact lenses can cause discharge both during the day and while sleeping. You are advised to keep the area around your eyes clean during the day, and contact lenses should always be removed before sleeping. Otherwise heavy dried discharge can form at the base of the lashes and around the eye after waking. Warm compresses and eyelid massage can also ease the secretion of the oil glands at the lid margin and so reduce discharge.

Treating Eye Discharge in Babies and Children

Treating eye discharge in babies and children can differ from treatment in adults. In babies the most common cause is a blocked tear duct, while in children it is infection and allergy. Families should always take their children's cleanliness and hygiene seriously. Particular care should be taken with babies, while older children should be taught to look after their own hygiene. The points to observe in clearing discharge in babies and children are:

• The massage techniques a doctor recommends, so that the tear ducts become active and open, are helpful for babies and children alike.
• With antibiotic creams, infection or similar skin problems in the eye are treated and the discharge is reduced.
• Seeing a doctor regularly and following their instructions matters.
• If your child or baby has an allergy, being careful about the allergen matters a great deal.

Where heavy discharge does not clear, consulting a doctor and seeking help may be necessary. If your eye discharge lasts more than two days, or if yellow and green discharge is accompanied by pain, sensitivity to light or blurred vision, see an ophthalmologist without losing time.