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.