# What Causes Eye Discharge?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-causes-eye-discharge

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-12

> **Summary:** Eye discharge forms as oil, mucus and dead skin cells gather at the inner corners of the eye and the base of the lashes, as dry, wet or hardened matter. A small amount on waking is normal, but discharge while awake, in abnormal quantities or yellow-green in colour can signal dry eye, infection or allergy.

## Quick Facts
- **Normal:** A small amount of discharge on waking
- **Warning signs:** Yellow or green discharge, redness, itching, sensitivity
- **Most common cause in babies:** Blocked tear duct
- **Most common causes in children:** Infection and allergy
- **See an ophthalmologist:** If discharge lasts more than two days, or yellow-green discharge comes with pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision

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## Normal and Abnormal Discharge
Discharge while awake is uncommon because blinking clears it, but a very oily eye area or eye make-up can cause it. Discharge formed overnight, for example from watering, can harden, so the area should be cleaned on waking.

Situations that cause abnormal discharge:
- Eye infections or skin problems
- Substances released by the tear glands
- Oily skin
- Allergies linked to contact lens wear
- Eye make-up or eye drops (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

## Conditions That Increase Discharge
- **Stye:** painful swelling around the lashes that can increase discharge.
- **Eyelid conditions:** discharge increases steadily; untreated, lash loss can follow.
- **Chalazion:** small painless eyelid swellings that can increase discharge.
- **Tear glands:** abnormal tear gland function increases discharge.

## Discharge in Babies and Children
Discharge is very common in babies and children and usually normalises with growth. Green or yellow discharge is not normal and may signal infection, so a doctor should be seen.

Causes of abnormal discharge in babies:
- Pink eye
- Inflammation at the base of the lashes
- Blocked or narrow tear ducts
- Infection
- Allergic reactions

Causes in children:
- Foreign bodies in the eye
- A blow or damage to the eye
- Bacteria
- Infection
- Allergy

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

Sleeping in contact lenses can also cause heavy discharge; lenses and make-up should be removed before sleep.

## Treatment
The cause is identified first, then:
- **Antibiotics:** medication and drops for bacterial infection.
- **Tear duct intervention:** narrowed or blocked ducts can be opened with a small surgical procedure.
- **Eye drops:** for dry eye and other conditions; antibiotic drops for infection.

## Home Care
Where no serious health problem is behind it, discharge can be managed at home:
- Take eye hygiene seriously; wash the face and eye area with plenty of water.
- Always remove make-up before bed.
- Keep the eye area clean during the day and always remove contact lenses before sleeping.
- Warm compresses and eyelid massage can ease the secretion of the oil glands at the lid margin and so reduce discharge.

## Care in Babies and Children
- Use the massage techniques a doctor recommends to activate and open the tear ducts.
- Antibiotic creams treat infection or skin problems and reduce discharge.
- See a doctor regularly and follow their instructions.
- If the child has an allergy, be careful about the allergen.
- Teach older children to look after their own hygiene.