Eye discharge, whether occurring in the morning or during the day, is part of the eye surface's defense mechanism. However, the amount, color, and consistency of the discharge can be indicative of a problem related to eye health. Infections disrupting the balance of tears and mucus, allergies, dry eyes, or tear duct obstruction in infants are some of the numerous causes that can lead to discharge.
What Is Eye Discharge?
Eye discharge is a condition seen with the accumulation of tears, mucus, oil, and shed cells on the edges of the eyelids. A small amount of clear discharge in the morning can be considered physiological. However, if the discharge is frequent, thick, colored, or has a mucous texture, and if accompanied by symptoms like redness, stinging, itching, tearing, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, it may necessitate evaluation by a specialist.
What Causes Eye Discharge?
Eye discharge forms as sticky fluid accumulates at the base of the eyelashes and takes on a crusty form. This condition can arise from various causes and adversely affect visual quality.
- Infections
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- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Sticky, yellow-green, thick discharge; may cause crusting at the edge of the eyelids.
- Viral conjunctivitis: Watery-mucus consistency discharge may accompany symptoms like redness and intense stinging or burning.
- Stye and Chalazion: Swelling and tenderness of the eyelid may increase discharge due to eye surface irritation.
- Blepharitis: Dandruff, oily crusting, and eyelid sticking in the morning may occur.
- Allergic Causes
Seasonal pollen, house dust mites, animal fur, and cosmetics can trigger an allergic reaction; accompanied by itching, tearing, and stringy-mucous discharge. Eye rubbing may increase micro injuries and the risk of secondary infections.
- Dry Eye
Disruption of the tear film layer can affect the balance of the mucus phase and cause thread-like or gel-like discharge. Long screen time, air-conditioned, or windy environments can increase dryness.
- Contact Lens Use and Hygiene
Improper lens choice, sleeping with lenses, inadequate hygiene, and contact with water can increase the risk of keratitis and conjunctivitis. In such cases, discharge is accompanied by pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
- Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Smoky or chemical-scented environments, lack of sleep, incomplete eye makeup removal, and old cosmetics can irritate the eye surface and increase discharge.
Why Does Mucous Eye Discharge Occur?
Mucous or stringy consistency eye discharge results from imbalances in the tear film, allergic reactions, or viral infections. Normally, tears form a protective film comprising water, oil, and mucus layers. The mucus component of this film keeps the eye surface moist, helping to clear dust, microbes, and foreign particles. However, when there is a disturbance in this system, the eye surface cannot be adequately cleaned, leading to mucous (gel-like) discharge.
Mucous discharge is often seen in conditions like dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, or viral infections.
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In dry eyes, due to insufficient tear production, mucus becomes concentrated and forms a stringy discharge.
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In allergic reactions, the body responds defensively to substances like pollen, dust, or cosmetics, resulting in itching, tearing, and mucous discharge.
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In viral infections, inflammation occurs in the tissues covering the eye surface; discharge becomes stickier and thicker.
Prolonged use of contact lenses, incorrect cleaning habits, or staying in air-conditioned or windy environments can dry out the eye surface, increasing mucous discharge. If the discharge becomes persistent, it can be accompanied by burning, stinging, redness, and blurred vision.
Why Does Eye Discharge Occur in Infants?
In infants, eye discharge often results from congenital tear duct obstruction (dacryostenosis) or eye infections occurring during the newborn period. As the tear system is not fully developed after birth, such complaints are commonly seen, especially in the first months.
Congenital Tear Duct Obstruction
In newborns, the end part of the tear duct that opens into the nasal cavity may be covered with a thin membrane. If this membrane does not open, tears cannot flow into the nose, leading to tearing and discharge as they accumulate on the eye surface.
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It is seen in one eye, but can occur in both.
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Continuous tearing may be aggravated by wind or cold weather.
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White or yellowish discharge may accumulate on eyelid edges.
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Difficulty in opening the eyelids in the morning can be observed as they stick together.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
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If there is redness, swelling, tenderness, or foul-smelling discharge in the eye,
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If the infant becomes generally irritable, feverish, or painful,
a consultation with an ophthalmologist should be sought. If necessary, treatment may be applied to open the tear duct.
Eye Infections in the Newborn Period
During birth, an infant's eyes can come into contact with microorganisms present in the birth canal. This may lead to an infection known as neonatal conjunctivitis.
Symptoms include intense discharge, redness, eyelid swelling, and tearing. If untreated, the infection can lead to permanent damage to the corneal tissue.
Such infections require urgent evaluation. Following an examination by a physician, treatment with appropriate antibiotic drops or ointment is initiated. Attention to mother-infant hygiene and regular application of the prescribed treatment prevent recurrence of the infection.
What Causes Eye Discharge in Children?
In children, eye discharge typically arises due to infections, allergic reactions, lack of hygiene, or dry eyes. The eye structure in children is more sensitive than in adults and more easily affected by environmental factors and microorganisms. Additionally, time spent in crowded settings like schools and daycares can facilitate the rapid spread of infections.
Infections
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Bacterial conjunctivitis: One of the common causes. Symptoms may include thick, yellow-green discharge, redness, itching, and eyelid sticking in the morning. Since children often touch their faces, germs can easily transfer to the other eye.
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Viral conjunctivitis: May develop after a cold or flu. The discharge is generally more watery, accompanied by a burning-stinging sensation in the eye.
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Blepharitis: It is a chronic inflammation developed by blockage in the oil glands at the eyelid margin. Symptoms include dandruff on the eyelid margin, oily crusting on the eyelash base, and prominent discharge in the morning.
Allergic Eye Diseases
Seasonal pollens, house dust mites, animal fur, or cosmetics and cleaning products used can cause allergic reactions in children.
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Itching,
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Tearing,
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Clear-mucous (stringy) discharge,
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An occasional habit of rubbing the eyes may be observed.
Hygiene Deficiency and Environmental Factors
In environments like playgrounds and schools, children frequently come into contact with germs. Touching their eyes without washing their hands adequately or using others' towels or pillows can lead to the spread of germs.
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Being in smoky, dusty, or chemically scented environments,
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Chlorine in pool water,
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Spending a long time in front of screens can also irritate the eye surface, increasing discharge.
Dry Eye and Screen Time
Children who spend long periods watching TV or in front of tablets or computer screens may blink less often. This can disrupt the tear film layer, leading to dryness and stringy discharge. Limiting screen time to age-appropriate levels and giving eye-rest breaks are essential for maintaining eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eye Discharge Contagious?
Discharges from bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can be contagious. Therefore, personal items such as towels and pillowcases should not be shared.
Does Eye Discharge in Infants Resolve on Its Own?
In most infants, the tear duct opens on its own within 6–12 months, and the discharge may reduce. However, if inflammation, foul-smelling discharge, or swelling develops, medical intervention may be necessary.
How to Relieve Eye Discharge?
Eye discharge can resolve when eye hygiene is maintained. Cleaning the eye area gently with sterile gauze moistened with warm water after washing hands is usually sufficient. However, if the condition recurs or there is inflammation, prescribing drops or medication under medical supervision is necessary.
Is Rubbing Eye Discharge Harshly Harmful?
Yes, it is harmful. Rubbing the eyelids harshly or scraping discharge can irritate the eye surface and lead to secondary infection. Cleaning should always be conducted gently using a soft sterile cloth or pad.