What is eye discharge?

Eye discharge is secretion (release) of mucus, pus or excessive tears from your eyes.

It's normal to find some crusty eye discharge along your lashes and in the corner of your eye when you wake up. This is also called eye gunk, crust or sleep.

Eye discharge is not usually a cause for concern. However, there can be other causes of eye discharge.

What causes eye discharge?

When you are awake, you blink regularly. Blinking keeps your eyes moist with tears and washes away any debris in your eyes.

When you are asleep you don't blink often. So normal eye mucus and other residue collects in the corners of your eyes. Normal eye discharge is usually white or a pale cream colour.

Causes of watery eye discharge

If you have a lot of watery eye discharge you may have viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) or allergic conjunctivitis.

If you have viral conjunctivitis, one or both of your eyes may be red and uncomfortable, with watery or white discharge. You might also have a feeling of having grit or dirt in your eyes.

With allergic conjunctivitis, both your eyes may be itchy and red, with watery discharge and occasional eyelid swelling. This is often combined with sneezing or coughing. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction. These symptoms may be seasonal.

Causes of sticky eye discharge

In children and adults, sticky, gooey yellow or green discharge and difficulty opening your eyes may be a sign of bacterial conjunctivitis.

In babies, a blocked tear duct can cause constantly watery eyes and sticky, gooey discharge. This occurs because the tears aren't draining normally due to the blockage.

How is the cause of eye discharge diagnosed?

Your doctor, pharmacist, optometrist or child health nurse will examine your eye and ask questions to find the cause of your eye discharge. Your healthcare provider may also take a swab of the eye discharge.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor or optometrist if you have any of these symptoms:

• a lot of discharge
• dark yellow, green or sticky discharge
• pain, redness or swelling in or around your eye
• blurred vision or light sensitivity
• feeling unwell
• fever
• cloudy or hazy appearance of the coloured part (iris) of your eye

How is eye discharge treated?

Treatment for abnormal eye discharge depends on the cause.

Self-care at home

Depending on the cause, your doctor may advise you to use artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) or cold or warm compresses to soothe your eyes.

If your baby has a blocked tear duct, it will usually get better on its own by the time your baby is one year old. Your doctor or early childhood nurse may show you how to massage your baby's eyes gently, to help clear any discharge from the duct.

Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up by itself without the need for prescribed medicines.

Medicines for eye discharge

Allergic conjunctivitis responds well to antihistamine eye drops, nasal sprays or tablets. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist to help you buy the correct medicine.

Bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops. You can often buy these from your pharmacist. Alternatively, your doctor can prescribe them for you.

Some kinds of eye discharge (like those caused by sexually transmitted infections) don't respond to over-the-counter eye drops. Talk to your doctor to find out the best treatment.

Can eye discharge be prevented?

Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious (easily spread).

To help stop the spread of infectious conjunctivitis:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
• Do not share face washers, towels or make-up with anyone else.
• Make sure to wash your towels, face washers and bed linen regularly and dry them in sunlight if you can.
• If you wear contact lenses and have eye discharge, throw out your lenses and wear glasses for at least a week after your symptoms go away.
• Gently clean any eye discharge from your eye area. Always wipe from the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) outwards.
• When cleaning your eyes, use a new cotton wool pad soaked in water for each eye. This helps to prevent passing an infection into the other eye.

What are the complications of eye discharge?

Most causes of eye discharge get better on their own without treatment. Although rare, complications can occur, such as:

• dry eyes
• eye drainage problems
• keratitis

Resources and support

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has more information about conjunctivitis, including when to see a doctor.

Children's Health Queensland has more information about blocked tear ducts in young children.

The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy has information about allergic conjunctivitis and how to treat it.

Languages other than English

Health translations has resources in many languages about conjunctivitis and how to use eye drops.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.