treatment methods for eye discharge and its causes , Eye discharge is a natural secretion composed of mucus, oils, and skin cells. It usually accumulates in the corner of the eye during sleep and appears as flakes or a slight stickiness upon waking.
While this is generally considered normal, the discharge may change color to green or yellow, which could indicate an infection or allergy requiring medical attention, especially if accompanied by pain or blurred vision.
How does eye discharge form
The eye produces tears and secretions to protect it from external factors and ensure it functions optimally,Blinking during the day helps expel any pollutants and foreign bodies.
However, at night, the eye is unable to eliminate these secretions because it stops blinking and remains closed. Consequently, discharge begins to accumulate in the corner of the eye and along the lash line.
Symptoms of Eye Discharge
Eye discharge may be accompanied by some symptoms resulting from the underlying cause. These symptoms include:
- Redness of the eye.
- Pain in the eye.
- Burning in the eye.
- Blurred vision.
What causes eye discharge
Eye discharge can sometimes be a simple and natural reaction, consisting of a mixture of mucus, oils, and dirt that accumulates in the corner of the eye during sleep. However, in some cases, it indicates an underlying health problem. Some of the most common causes include:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis, where the white of the eye turns red due to swelling of the blood vessels that supply the conjunctiva.
- A stye, which occurs due to a blockage of the eyelid glands located along the eyelash line, often caused by an infection or contamination of the eyelash follicles.
- Blocked tear ducts, which can lead to a buildup of eye discharge.
- Dry eye.
- Corneal ulcers resulting from severe dry eye. Viral eye infections.
- Eye irritation or irritation due to a foreign object.
- Eye allergies.
Diagnosis of eye discharge
Diagnosis varies depending on the cause of the eye discharge. The doctor usually relies on the following:
- Physical examination and medical history.
- Knowledge of the symptoms accompanying the eye discharge.
- Laboratory testing of the discharge to determine the underlying medical condition.
- Checking the color, consistency, frequency, and timing of the discharge.
- Checking tear production, as in cases of blocked tear ducts.
Treatment of Eye Discharge
Treatment for eye discharge depends on the cause. The doctor will diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment. If it is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe topical antibiotics.
If it is caused by an eye allergy or conjunctivitis, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines and may also prescribe lubricating eye drops to relieve dryness, which can be a contributing factor to the discharge. The doctor may also advise the patient on the following:
Medications that treat eye discharge
- Refresh Tears
- Normo Tears
- Zymar eye drops
- Systane eye drops
- Cornetears eye drops
- Lubristira eye drops
- Berberil N eye drops
- Co Avazir
Complications of Eye Discharge
Eye discharge can cause some complications if left untreated, including:
- Inability to open the eyelid in the morning
- Blurred vision.
- Spread of inflammation and infection.
- Eye redness.
- Corneal problems.
- Dry and itchy eyes.
How to prevent eye discharge
The following methods can be used to prevent eye discharge:
- Apply warm compresses to the eye for 3-5 minutes if thick discharge is present.
- Do not use eye drops from an infected eye on the uninfected eye to avoid spreading the infection.
- Remove contact lenses before sleeping and clean them thoroughly.
- Remove makeup and cosmetics before sleeping.
- Clean the eye with a warm, clean cloth.
- Maintain eye hygiene.
Article Summary
Eye discharge is a natural secretion composed of mucus, oils, and skin cells. It usually accumulates in the corner of the eye during sleep and appears as flakes or a slight stickiness upon waking.
It is considered normal unless it changes color to yellow or green and is accompanied by redness, pain, and blurred vision, as this may be due to infection, dryness, or allergies.