What Is That Goop In My Eye? The Different Types Of Eye Discharge
Ever get weird goopy crust in your eyes? Ever wondered what it could be and how it can affect your overall eye health? Eye discharge, or the 'goop' you might have noticed in your eye, is normal and can appear due to allergies, debris in the eye, or simply from sleep. Find out the different types of eye discharge an individual can have, what causes it, and how to treat it effectively now.
Different Types Of Eye Discharge
Eye discharge is a common occurrence many individuals will experience from time to time. In fact, the eyes produce a tiny amount of mucus to help remove debris when you blink. However, when other symptoms accompany eye discharge, such as sensitivity to light, eye pain, or blurriness, it could indicate a problem. In addition, these bothersome symptoms can be the result of many different underlying causes ranging from allergies to eye infections. In some cases, proper treatment is needed. Treatment, of course, will depend on the underlying cause. So, it is important to recognize when your symptoms may require a trip to the doctor.
Causes Of Eye Discharge
Eye discharge can be the result of an accumulation of normal discharge, which is produced as part of a natural process that clears debris from the eye. Usually, the normal discharge is flushed out each time we blink, so it does not accumulate. While you are sleeping, the discharge accumulates and forms a hard crust in the corners of the eyes, known as 'sleep.' 'Sleep' is a combination of mucus, oil, and skin cells your eyes have excreted.
Although waking up with a small amount of 'sleep' in your eyes is considered normal, it is imperative to recognize what is considered abnormal eye discharge. On the other hand, abnormal eye discharge can be caused by viral or bacterial eye infections as well as allergies. Eye discharge can also be a sign of more serious conditions such as cellulitis, corneal ulcers, or endophthalmitis. Thus, understanding what is typically considered normal and abnormal will help you notice the first signs of a problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of Eye Discharge?
Changes in the frequency, texture, color, and amount of eye discharge can often be the first sign of an eye issue. For allergy sufferers, redness of the eye, discharge, tearing, and itching are common symptoms. In the case of an infection, you may experience yellow or green discharge. Likewise, a heavy amount of discharge can make it feel as though the eye has been glued shut. Furthermore, other symptoms may accompany the abnormal eye discharge, such as redness, inflammation of the mucous membrane, swelling of the eyelid (blepharitis), pain, sensitivity to light, or vision changes. If you are experiencing a change in eye discharge, see your eye doctor immediately to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How To Treat It
It is important to remember any changes in eye discharge must be promptly evaluated by a doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis. What is more, infections will require immediate treatment with antibiotics or steroids, perhaps both, and can be very serious if left untreated. Additionally, eye discharge determined to be caused by an allergic reaction can be treated with antihistamines. Home treatment is also useful for managing eye discharge symptoms in addition to the other treatments your doctor might have prescribed. A warm washcloth will help separate eyelashes that have been 'glued shut' from excess discharge.
How To Prevent It
If you have been diagnosed with an eye infection, there are several preventative measures you can take to stop the infection from coming back, such as discarding old makeup used while you had an infection. It is also recommended you follow instructions on your contact lenses. Furthermore, those who suffer from itchy eyes should avoid rubbing them, as this can transfer infection. With proper treatment, eye discharge should resolve quickly.
Being aware of the color, consistency, texture, and amount of eye discharge is a good way to stay vigilant. Abnormal eye discharge can be the result of allergies, viral or bacterial infections, or serious eye disorders. Recognizing the symptoms of abnormal eye discharge will help you determine when to see a doctor. Consider taking preventative actions to ensure your infection will not return, including discarding contaminated makeup, following the directions on contact lenses, and taking medication properly. With the proper treatment, your eye issue will likely resolve in no time!