Eye Discharge: Causes, Types & Treatment

Eye discharge can signal infection, allergies, or dryness. Hence, it is best to know the causes, types, and treatment for better eye health.

What is Eye Discharge?

Eye discharge is a fluid produced by the eye. It can be clear, white, yellow, or green. This discharge helps remove debris and protect your eye. Sometimes, it indicates a problem like an infection or allergy. Common causes include dry eyes, pink eye or conjunctivitis, or blepharitis. 

Discharge may form overnight and create crusty lashes. Babies may have it due to blocked tear ducts. Infections make the discharge thicker and coloured. If the fluid continues, see an eye doctor. Early treatment can prevent vision issues and help prevent their further spread. 

Types of Eye Discharge

Eye discharge appears in various forms. Each type gives a clue about the underlying cause. 

1.  Watery Discharge

Watery eye discharge is usually clear. It often appears with allergies, irritants, or viral infections. Common triggers include dust, pollen, or contact lenses. Cold weather or wind can cause it too. It may be constant or come and go. This type is not usually serious but required examination by an ophthalmologist to rule out any underlying issues.

2. Mucous Discharge

This discharge is stringy and white or clear. It often results from eye allergies or dryness. It does not usually stick to the lashes. Allergens or irritants cause this reaction. People using contact lenses may also get it. Rubbing your eyes can worsen it. Avoid triggers and use lubricating drops. 

3. Thick, Green, or Yellow Discharge

This type signals a bacterial eye infection. It can stick your eyelids shut in the morning. Common with conjunctivitis, it spreads easily. It may also cause redness and eye pain. It is often found in children and individuals who wear contact lenses. Avoid touching your eyes. Use prescribed antibiotic drops or ointments. Wash your hands often to stop the spread. 

4. Stringy mucus

Stringy mucus discharge usually links to allergies or dryness. It stretches when wiped. It may feel sticky and uncomfortable. This discharge is not a sign of infection. Air pollution and allergens often cause it. Use an antihistamine or lubricating drops for relief. Avoid rubbing the eyes. Visit a doctor if symptoms persist. 

5.  Crusty eyelash

Crust on lashes appears after sleep. It happens with dry eyes or minor irritation. You may find flakes near the lashes. Blepharitis is a common cause. Warm compresses can help loosen the crust. Clean eyelids gently each day. Avoid eye makeup if you notice crust. Persistent crust may need medical attention, so be aware of any repeated crusting. 

6.  White Eye Discharge

White eye discharge can be harmless or a sign of mild irritation. It may appear in dry eyes. Sometimes, it follows contact lens use. In the case of newborn eye discharge, yellowish or green fluid is more common due to blocked tear ducts. Clean the eyes with a sterile cloth. Lubricating drops can help. If discharge increases or turns yellow, you should see a specialist. 

Symptoms of Eye Discharge

Symptoms include fluid leaking from one or both eyes. It may be clear or coloured. Other signs are redness, blurry vision, or itchy eyes. Blurry vision may occur if the discharge obstructs vision or if the infection affects deeper eye structures. 

Discharge might dry and form a crust. Watery eye discharge may flow continuously. Some cases include mild burning or a gritty feeling. Infections usually cause thick or yellow discharge from the eye. Babies may cry more or rub their eyes. Always monitor changes in eye appearance or comfort. 

Causes of Eye Discharge

There are many causes of eye discharge. These include infections, inflammation, blocked ducts, allergies, and eye injury. 

Conjunctivitis

Also called pink eye, it causes red, itchy eyes and sticky discharge. Viral types cause watery fluid. Bacterial forms produce thick yellow discharge. It spreads easily. Avoid sharing towels or makeup. Clean eyes often. Doctors prescribe antibiotic drops for bacterial cases. Viral forms may heal without treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis causes clear fluid and itching. 

Stye

A stye is a small lump on the eyelid. It forms when an oil gland is blocked. It may leak pus or yellow fluid. The eye may become swollen and painful. Warm compresses help drain it. Avoid squeezing the stye. Most heal in a few days. 

Blepharitis

This is inflammation of the eyelid edges. It often causes redness, itching, and crust formation. Oily skin, dandruff, or bacterial growth can trigger it. Both eyes are usually affected. White or yellow discharge may appear near the lashes. It can feel like burning or grittiness. Warm compresses help loosen crusts. 

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes happen when the eyes do not produce enough tears. It may cause white or stringy discharge. Eyes feel gritty or tired. Contact lenses can worsen dryness. Air conditioning or screen time can increase tear evaporation and worsen symptoms. Doctors may suggest prescription drops if symptoms continue. 

Treatment for Eye Discharge

Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial infections need antibiotic drops. Viral cases often heal on their own. Allergies respond to antihistamine drops. Gently clean your eyelids with warm water. Use lubricating drops for dryness. Avoid rubbing your eyes. 

Contact lens users should discontinue wearing their lenses during an infection. Do not share towels or makeup. Follow all prescribed medication instructions. 

How to Prevent Eye Discharge

Wash your hands regularly to prevent infection. Do not touch or rub your eyes. Avoid sharing eye makeup or towels. Remove makeup before bed. Clean contact lenses as directed. Replace them as advised. Avoid allergens when possible. Use protective eyewear during activities. Take breaks from screens to reduce eye strain. Maintain eyelid hygiene, especially if prone to blepharitis. Use artificial tears for dryness.