Eye boogers or discharge are normal and not a sign that something is wrong. However, some eye infections also cause similar symptoms, so it is important to know the difference between standard and harmful eye discharge or boogers. Immediate treatment of an infection can prevent it from getting worse.
Some symptoms that eye discharge could be an issue include:
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- Pain in the eyes
- Red eyes
- Painful discharge
- Discharge after an eye injury
- Changes in vision
- Light sensitivity
- A sudden change in discharge
Also, protect your eyes from invading materials like dust, mascara, dander, and pet hairs. As a result, the eyes clean themselves and reduce the risk of infection by producing a healthy discharge. By monitoring eye discharge, a person can keep their eyes healthy. In addition, knowing what a normal discharge is can help people decide when to see an eye doctor.
Contents
What Are Eye Boogers?
Eye boogers are a buildup of mucus in the eyes. Each time a person blinks during the day, the eyes secrete the secretions of the rheum they have produced. It is often unnoticeable since the eyes produce this mucus in small quantities. Although the buildup of mucus in the eyes is often harmless, it may sometimes indicate health changes. At night, the mucus can build up when a person does not blink. In addition, sealed eyelids allow it to build up along the eyelashes and in the tear ducts.
What Causes Crusty Eyes In The Morning?
First of all, crusty eyes in the morning can include any of the following symptoms:
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- White, light yellow, or cream-colored crust collected in the eyelid corners when you wake up
- Eyelashes stuck to each other with solid or watery discharge from your eyes
- Irritation or redness around your eyes when you first open them in the morning
The Best Way To Treat Eye Boogers In The Morning
If eye crust is the only symptom, you can probably treat it at home. Wash your hands before you try to rub any morning goop out of your eyes. It’s hard to resist the impulse to wipe the crust from your eyes, but your hands often carry germs and bacteria. Use a clean washcloth with warm water. Put the washcloth on your eyes, and the eye crust will dissolve. To clear your eyes completely, leave the washcloth on for a few minutes. Also, use eye drops to hydrate your eyes and prepare for the day if your eyes feel dry or gritty after wiping out the booger. Saline solution or hydrating eye drops are available that can cleanse your eye of any remaining gunk.
At-Home
Follow these simple tips to prevent or manage eye discharge:
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- Avoid frequently touching your eyes to avoid the onset or spread of an eye infection.
- If you encounter eye discharge or irritation while wearing contacts, remove them and see your eye doctor. Sometimes using a different contact lens material or daily disposable contacts can reduce the risk of contact lens-related discharge.
- If allergies cause eye discharge, then investigate your environment and minimize your exposure to the irritants.
- If you have an eye infection, avoid cosmetics like eyeliner or mascara and contacts, which may be contaminated.
Conclusion
Since, for some cases, eye discharge is normal, they don’t require treatment. You’ll need to identify the cause to treat cases of eye discharge that are not normal effectively. First, see your eye doctor to know what is causing your abnormal eye discharge. They’ll then prescribe the proper treatment. For certain conditions, like bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers, you will need antibiotics.
