Eye Discharge and Its Causes

You normally get eye discharge when it accumulates while you sleep. This is a combination of mucus, oil and skin cells, but sometimes, excessive eye discharge accompanied by pain, light sensitivity and blurry vision can indicate something more serious and should be examined by a trusted eye doctor immediately. Nova Vision Center explains what you need to know: 

Where It Comes From 

Your eye discharge, or sometimes called “rheum,” is a function of your tear film and a necessary component of good eye health. It consists of mucin, which is a thin, watery mucus produced by the conjunctiva, and meibum, which is an oily substance secreted by the meibomian glands which help keep your eyes lubricated between blinks. 

Your eyes produce mucus throughout the day, but a continuous thin film of tears bathes your eyes when you blink, flushing out the rheum before it hardens in your eyes. It can be wet and sticky or dry and crusty, depending on how much of the liquid in the discharge has evaporated. But it also has a protective function by removing waste products and potentially harmful debris from the tear film and the front surface of your eyes. 

Types of Eye Discharge

If you’re already having any of the problems listed below, it’s important to have a trusted optometrist examine your eyes to determine the right treatment.

• Yellow Mucus – This along with a small lump or nodule on your eyelid can be caused by a stye. Eyelid glands sometimes become clogged and infected and leak mucus. This is also evidenced by having a reddish bump on your eyelid with your eyes feeling bruised and sensitive to light.

• Thick, Crusty Mucus – This could be a sign of blepharitis, which can come from bacteria found on your skin. This can grow and infect the eyelashes and eyelids and cause inflammation and redness.

• Green or Gray Mucus – This type of discharge coming from your eyes may represent an infection caused by bacteria. If it’s bacterial conjunctivitis, it can cause your eyelid to be completely stuck shut when you wake up in the morning.

Whether you need to have a professional exam or looking for new contact lenses, you can always make your appointment with Nova Vision Center. Call us at (703) 578-3600, or you can contact us through our convenient online form. We serve Alexandria, Arlington, and surrounding VA areas.