Eye Discharge (Eye Boogers): Causes, Care & When to See a Doctor

Eye discharge is the sticky fluid or crust ( called eye mucus or “sleep”) that collects at the corners of your eyes, especially after you wake up. The tricky part is knowing what’s normal and what’s a warning sign, like heavy build-up, redness, pain, or white eye discharge turning yellow or green. 

In this blog, you’ll learn the common causes and types, safe home care that actually helps, and the exact signs that mean you should see a doctor.

What is Eye Discharge?

Eye discharge is the mix of eye mucus, oils, skin cells, and tiny debris that collects at the eye corners, most noticeable when you wake up. It’s made by the conjunctiva (the lining of your eyelids) and the meibomian (oil) glands, and it helps trap dust and keep the surface smooth.  Small amounts of eye discharge are normal; however, excess discharge, a sudden change in colour or thickness, or discharge with pain, redness, or light sensitivity can signal a problem that requires care.

Types of Eye Discharge

The look of discharge gives clues about what’s going on. Use this as a guide; your doctor makes the final call.

Look / Texture	Common causes	Symptoms	Treatment
Clear, watery	Viral conjunctivitis, allergies	Redness, itch or easy spread	Cool compress, artificial tears, hygiene
Thin white eye discharge	Dry eye, irritation	Film clears after blinking or using drops	Lubricating drops, screen breaks
Stringy white/clear	Allergic conjunctivitis	Itching, rubbing, pollen/pet exposure	Avoid triggers, antihistamine drops
Thick yellow	Bacterial conjunctivitis, stye	Lids stuck on waking, eye soreness	Doctor visit; likely antibiotics
Green	Stronger bacterial infection	Reforms quickly; higher risk for contact lens wearers	Stop lenses, urgent exam
Yellow + lid bump	Stye/chalazion	Local pain, swollen lid margin	Warm compress, no squeezing
Foamy/bubbly	Meibomian gland dysfunction	Burning, dryness with excess watering	Warm compress, lid massage
Waxy flakes/crusts	Blepharitis	Morning crusty eyes, with gritty sensation	Lid hygiene, possible meds
White/yellow “balls” in tears	Dacryocystitis (tear-sac infection)	Inner-corner swelling/tenderness	Doctor visit; treat blockage/infection
Bloody-tinged	Rubbing, surface irritation	Pink/red streaks in mucus	Stop rubbing, lubricate; exam if recurring
Mucous plaques on lenses	Contact lens overuse/hygiene issues	Cloudy smears on lens, redness	Remove lenses, hygiene reset, exam
Infant discharge	Blocked tear duct	Watering without much redness	Warm compress, massage; see paeds if worse

• Clear, watery discharge

This looks like tears that won’t stop. It happens with viral conjunctivitis or allergies, and the eyes feel gritty with mild redness. You also notice sticky eyes in the morning, even though the fluid itself is thin. If viral, it can spread easily within families; if allergic, itch is the main clue. 

Cool compresses and preservative-free artificial tears can provide relief, but consult a doctor if redness, pain, or light sensitivity worsen.

• Thin white discharge

This white eye discharge wipes away easily and can look filmy on the inner corners. It’s common with dry eyes, long screen time, AC/fan exposure, or mild irritation.

Lubricating drops and regular screen breaks usually help. If the film keeps returning or vision stays smeary, get a check-up to rule out surface problems.

• Stringy, white/clear mucus

Rope-like strands are classic for allergic conjunctivitis. It follows rubbing or exposure to pollen, dust, or pet dander.

Eyes itch, water, and feel puffy. Avoid triggers when possible, rinse the face after outdoor time, and ask your doctor about antihistamine/mast-cell stabiliser drops.

• Thick yellow discharge

This pus-like eye mucus points toward bacterial conjunctivitis. Lids stick shut on waking, causing crusty eyes and soreness.

Good hand hygiene is crucial to preventing the spread. Medical care is recommended; doctors prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment and advice on cleaning the lids safely.

• Green discharge

Green discharge is usually a stronger bacterial sign and can reform soon after wiping. It’s especially concerning for contact lens wearers.

Remove lenses and switch to glasses until cleared. Seek prompt care, untreated infections can worsen and, in rare cases, threaten the cornea.

• Yellow discharge with a tender lid bump (stye/chalazion)

A stye is an infected lash follicle or gland; a chalazion is a blocked oil gland. Both can create localised discharge, swelling, and tenderness.

Warm compresses, applied 2–3 times daily, help open the gland and loosen crusts. Don’t squeeze; see a doctor if pain or swelling increases or vision is affected.

• Foamy or bubbly corner discharge

Foam at the inner or outer corner points to meibomian gland dysfunction (oil glands not flowing well). Eyes can burn or feel dry even while they water.

Regular warm compresses and gentle lid massage can improve oil flow. Your doctor may add lid wipes or specific drops if the eye secretions continue to build up.

• Thick, waxy crusts on lashes (blepharitis)

Blepharitis causes flakes and sticky, crusty eyes, which worsen on waking. Lids can look inflamed, and the eyes sting or feel sandy.

Daily lid hygiene is the backbone of care: warm compress, then gentle cleansing of the lid margins. Medicines or in-office treatments will be added if episodes repeat.

• White/yellow “balls” in watery tears (tear-duct sac infection)

Small globules in tears plus swelling near the nose bridge suggest dacryocystitis (blocked, infected tear sac). There is tenderness and discharge when pressing that spot.

This needs medical evaluation. Warm compresses can ease discomfort, but infections near the tear sac need prescription treatment, and sometimes procedures, to clear the blockage.

• Bloody-tinged mucus

A pink or red streak in eye discharge can follow intense rubbing, a small surface break, or significant irritation. It looks alarming, but it is minor.

Stop rubbing, use lubricating drops, and protect from wind/fans. If bleeding recurs, pain increases, or vision changes, schedule an exam to rule out corneal or lid issues.

• Contact-lens–related mucous plaques

Over-wearing lenses, sleeping in them, or poor hygiene can trigger heavy mucus, redness, and discomfort. You see cloudy smears on the lens.

Remove lenses immediately and switch to glasses. Replace lens cases/solutions, review hygiene steps, and get checked. Contact lens wearers can develop serious corneal problems if infections are missed.

• Newborn or infant discharge

Babies have eye mucus from narrow or blocked tear ducts. You might notice constant watering and crusts without much redness.

Warm compress and gentle tear-duct massage can help. If the eye turns red, or swollen, or the discharge turns yellow/green, see a paediatric eye doctor quickly.

What is the Reason for Eye Discharge?

Many issues can cause discharge; some are mild and self-limited, while others need treatment. 

Below are the common reasons for eye discharge and what they feel like:

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye): 

Viral tends to be watery or sticky; bacteria are thicker and yellow/green, with red, gritty eyes.

• Blepharitis: 

Inflamed eyelid margins lead to sticky crusty eyes, flakes on lashes, burning, and morning discomfort.

• Dry eye syndrome: 

Poor tear quality or low tear production causes stringy mucus and sticky eyes in the morning, plus a scratchy sensation.

• Allergies: 

Itchy, watery eyes with white eye discharge; rubbing makes it worse.

• Eye infections (stye, corneal ulcer): 

Localised redness, tenderness, and pus; corneal ulcers can cause severe pain and light sensitivity, urgent check needed.

• Blocked tear ducts: 

Tears don’t drain well, so mucus pools and dries into crusts.

• Contact lens issues: 

Overwear or poor hygiene can trigger irritation or infection, leading to redness, discomfort, and increased mucus production.

Treatment for Eye Discharge

Treatment depends on the cause; start with safe care and add medicines when needed.

Medications and eye drops

• Lubricating drops or gels: ease dryness-related mucus and morning crusting.
• Antibiotic drops/ointment: for confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis or infected styes.
• Antihistamine or mast-cell stabiliser drops: for allergy-related watering and white eye discharge.

Treating underlying conditions

• Blepharitis: Warm compresses, gentle lid hygiene (diluted baby shampoo or lid wipes), and medicines if prescribed.
• Conjunctivitis: Follow the exact drop schedule; avoid touching/rubbing; change pillowcases and towels regularly.
• Blocked tear ducts: Warm compress and massage; procedures if it doesn’t clear.
• Contact lens problems: Stop wearing lenses until the eye is clear, replace the lens case/solution, and never sleep in lenses unless advised.

Home Remedies for Eye Discharge

For mild eye discharge, gentle care at home usually helps. Start with clean hands every time you touch your eyes.

• Gentle cleaning: Soften crusts with a warm, damp cloth, then wipe from the inner corner outward. Use a fresh cloth or cotton for each eye to avoid spreading eye mucus.
• Warm compress: Apply a comfortably warm (not hot) compress for 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times a day. This loosens crusts and calms irritation.
• Use artificial tears: Preservative-free lubricating drops can flush debris and ease sticky eyes in the morning.
• Avoid allergens and irritants: Reduce exposure to dust, smoke, and pollen; keep fans/AC vents from blowing directly at your face.
• Rest your eyes: Take regular screen breaks (20-20-20 rule) and sleep well to reduce strain and dryness.
• Hygiene habits: Don’t share towels, pillows, or eye makeup; replace eye makeup if it touched infected discharge.

When to See an Eye Specialist?

Mild discharge can be normal, but some signs need quick care by eye specialist. Book an exam if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening sticky crusty eyes beyond 24–48 hours, or frequent recurrences.
• Yellow or green discharge (especially with redness, swelling, or the eye stuck shut).
• Blurred vision, significant light sensitivity, or eye pain.
• Symptoms in a contact lens wearer, after an eye injury, or if a newborn has discharge.
• Fever, swelling around the eyelids, or any vision drop.

Conclusion

Most eye discharge is harmless and clears with simple care, but a sudden change in color, thickness, or smell can point to infection or irritation. Keep your hands clean, avoid rubbing your eyes, and use lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry or gritty. 

If discharge turns yellow/green, vision blurs, or pain and light sensitivity develop, book an eye checkup. Quick treatment protects comfort and helps you heal faster.

FAQs

What is the reason for eye discharge?
The reason for eye discharge is a mix of mucus, oils, and debris produced by your eyelids and eye surface; it increases with issues like dry eye, allergies, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, blocked tear ducts, or contact lens irritation.

How can I get rid of eye discharge?
The way to get rid of eye discharge is warm compresses, gentle lid cleaning, preservative-free artificial tears, and avoiding irritants; if it’s thick yellow/green or keeps coming back, see a doctor for the right drops.

Why is so much mucus coming out of my eye?
If a lot of mucus comes out of your eye, it may indicate inflammation or infection (such as bacterial conjunctivitis), poor tear quality, blocked tear drainage, or contact lens problems that cause your eye to produce excess secretions.

What is the morning eye discharge called?
The morning eye discharge is called eye mucus, “sleep,” or rheum; it collects overnight as tears, oils, and skin cells dry at the corners of your eyes.

When should I see an eye doctor for eye discharge?
You should see an eye doctor for eye discharge when it’s yellow/green, painful, light-sensitive, affects vision, lasts more than 24–48 hours, follows an injury, or if you wear contact lenses.