Eye discharge: What is and what is not normal?

February 1, 2023

Eye discharge is the secretion of mucus or other non-tear fluids from the eyes. It's normal to find crusty eye discharge along the eyelashes and in the corner of the eye when you wake up in the morning. It's nothing to worry about.

What causes it?

When we're awake, we blink regularly. Blinking keeps our eyes moist with tears and removes any debris. But we don't blink at night, and this is the main reason for eye discharge in the morning. Additionally, other debris can accumulate in the corners of the eyes. Normal eye discharge is usually white or a pale cream color.

When is eye discharge not normal?

Signs that you may have an eye disease causing eye discharge include:

Large amounts of discharge.
Secretion that is dark yellow, green, or sticky.
Pain, redness, or swelling in or around the eye.
Blurred vision.
Sensitivity to light.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we look forward to seeing you at our Ophthalmology Clinic located at Avenida Reyes Católicos, 25, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.

What could cause watery eye discharge?

If you have a large amount of watery eye discharge, you may have viral conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye" or allergic conjunctivitis.

If you have viral conjunctivitis, one or both eyes may be red and uncomfortable, with watery or white discharge. Some of our patients report a gritty or dirty feeling in their eyes.

If you have allergic conjunctivitis, you may experience itching and redness in both eyes, with watery discharge and occasional swelling of the eyelids. You may also have watery eyes due to allergies, often accompanied by sneezing or coughing. These symptoms can be seasonal.

What could cause sticky eye discharge?

In children and adults, yellow or green sticky discharge and difficulty opening the eyes may be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis.

In babies, a blocked tear duct can cause watery eyes and sticky discharge. This happens because tears don't drain normally due to the blockage. There may be a small, hard lump near the inner corner of your baby's eye or a change in eyelid color.

How should you treat abnormal eye discharge?

Treatment for abnormal eye discharge depends on the cause:

Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own without prescription medication. One of our ophthalmologists at Clínica Nivaria may recommend using artificial tears or cold compresses to soothe your eyes.
Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to antihistamine eye drops or tablets. Talk to one of our specialists to help you select the right formulation for your situation.
Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops; our doctor will prescribe the appropriate ones.
If your baby has a blocked tear duct , it's generally recommended to gently massage their eyes to help clear any discharge. This type of blockage is most common during the first year of life.

Tips for keeping your eyes healthy

Tips to help care for your eyes and keep them healthy include:

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Do not share facial cleansers, towels, or makeup.
Make sure towels, facial cleansers, and bedding are washed regularly and dried in sunlight if possible.
If you wear contact lenses and have discharge or infection, discard them and wear glasses for at least a week after the symptoms have disappeared.
Gently clean any eye secretions from the eye area, always wiping from the corner of the eye (closest to the nose) outwards.
When cleaning your eyes, use a new cotton pad soaked in water for each eye, to prevent any infection from spreading to the other eye.

If you have abnormal eye discharge, we look forward to seeing you at our Ophthalmology Clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. You'll receive the best ophthalmological care in the Canary Islands!